Weight Loss For Kids and Teenagers

Health is top priority for everyone, and what best way to start than early? Changing lifestyle is being blamed for the increasing weight problems of our kids.

Healthy weight loss for kids is advisable for parents who have kids that are slightly on the heavy side. There are a lot of reasons why children become obese at such a young age.

It is estimated that kids spend on average over four hours a day either watching TV, or playing on the computer, and as computer games get more sophisticated and attract a larger audience, it is likely that number will increase.

Since they crave different foods and love fast foods, it is most likely that they gain weight. Parents also love to spoil they children and one of the most common ways is through food. As a result, over one third of kids in America are classed as overweight based on body fat as measured by the Body Mass Index and weight charts for kids.

Many parents are scratching their heads wondering what to do to help their kids become more active and lose weight.

There are a few things that will help and a few that will do more harm than good.

Things to avoid while helping your kids lose weight

Do not make an overweight kid worried about their weight by drawing attention to it

The hardest part of healthy weight loss for kids would probably be motivation and explaining to them why they should lose weight. As a kid, you want to enjoy the best foods and pig out because you enjoy it. Most kids are not self-conscious unless they reach a certain age.

Parents need to explain that weight loss is a serious issue which should needed to be done not only for the physical benefits but also to help prevent diseases in the future. They would be well aware that they have a weight issue and don’t need anyone bringing it to their attention. They may be teased already by others, so they need your support more than anything.

Don’t continually try to get overweight kids to join a sports team

The healthiest weight loss tip for a kid is for him to become active. Engaging in sports or daily activities like jogging will surely help your kid lose weight. If your kid gets tired easily, then think of other ways to motivate him to exercise. You could make him play around with other kids in the neighborhood.

Don’t force them to be a part of sports team — They may feel intimidated about their size already, so competing in a sport that they don’t like and don’t feel competent playing is counter productive.

Don’t place your overweight kid on a diet

Watch your kid’s meal. Make him cut back on junk food and replace it with healthier alternatives like crackers. Kids are also hard to please at times, so it could be helpful to change their diets gradually.

Do not force food restrictions — They may be going through puberty and growth phases, so the weight is a by product and restricting food may not be the answer. The best way to start is by replacing the unhealthy foods with fruits and remove sweets like candies and chocolates.

When helping children lose weight, slow weight loss is the best way to go. More often than not, kids won’t feel that they are deprived and will get used to the diet easier.

• Behavioral changes are also advisable for healthy weight loss.
• Eating and sleeping habits need to be modified.
• The time spent watching TV or playing computer games should be spent playing sports.
• There are even video games that allow your kids to move around just so they have movement.

Encourage kids to hydrate and drink more water and avoid juices and soda. This will make them feel less hungry and will help speed up metabolism. Don’t forget the healthy drinks like milk before sleeping or during breakfast, as this will keep their bones strong.

Take your kids to grocery shopping with you and explain to them the effects of eating healthy and unhealthy foods. This way, they will get better ideas on what the healthy foods are and the types of food that they should avoid.

The last tip for healthy weight loss for kids would be to set a good example. As they say, practice what you preach. If you let your child engage in sports, exercise with him. Show him that you’re also eating the healthier alternatives and cutting back on high-calorie foods. Make sure that the weight loss is a fun and healthy process.