If you’re a parent of a child struggling with their weight, you’re not alone. Child obesity affects millions of youths and adolescents, potentially increasing their risk of ailments like type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, it’s possible to confront the issue as a family and support healthier habits for your child. Here are a few strategies for helping your child control their weight. 

How to Help a Child Lose Weight

1. Encourage Mindful Eating

Children and adults alike can “check out” when they’re eating. Having meals in front of the TV, while playing on the phone or being distracted, could cause your child to unknowingly consume more than they need. Make meal time a shared activity, focused exclusively on eating and communicating as a family.

2. Curb the Processed Foods

While convenient, processed foods often contain added sugars, higher calorie contents, and less nutritional value than whole foods. In particular, heavily processed foods with added salt, oil, and sugar have been directly associated with child obesity. Serve these in moderation or skip them altogether, and instead, favor whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean protein sources.

3. Dine at Home

Meals prepared at home tend to have fewer calories than those in restaurants. Whenever possible, cook meals for your children, and encourage them to bring a packed lunch instead of buying. This allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and the sizes of the portions.

4. Don’t Forget About Drinks

Beverages can be an often overlooked yet important source of added calories. Sports drinks, sodas, and even many fruit juices often contain added sugars and are highly caloric. Encourage your child to drink low-fat milk or water instead. If they’re craving flavor, add fresh fruit or cucumber slices to their water.

5. Promote Active Time

Diet is important for addressing child obesity, but activity levels are also essential. Sedentary lifestyles are dangerous for children and adults alike, so make time to get active as a family every day. Take walks and play games outside, and encourage your child to get involved in any sports that interest them.

Whether you’re concerned about child obesity or your child is simply due for a wellness exam, turn to Mante Pediatrics for comprehensive children’s health care. Offering preventive care as well as same-day appointments for illnesses and injuries, this doctor’s office is the trusted source for pediatrics in Chester and Lancaster, SC. Explore their full list of services online or call (803) 385-2075 to schedule an appointment.