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For Dummies is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used here by license.Whether your child has a weight issue or not, you can’t throw your hands up in the air and leave his health to fate. The human body — adult or child — is not programmed to subsist on a diet comprised mostly of fat and refined carbohydrates. Cavemen didn’t eat French fries. The Pilgrims didn’t visit the drive-thru window every evening. Native Americans didn’t whip up milkshakes. And guess what? These populations also weren’t obese.
Parents of obese children are often tempted to make a concerted effort to improve the child’s weight and health, but most kids will try and fail if at least one parent isn’t also involved in the regimen.
Easing into activityJust cutting fat out of your family’s diet is a huge step in the right direction. Adding physical activity is another important step. Exercise helps the weight come off faster and also helps keep it off. Plus, exercise has been shown to improve mental states and alleviate depression and anxiety, so it’s good for the body and the soul.
We’re not advocating that you start your heavy child off in some sort of marathon training program. Just get him outside to play. If he’s little, play with him. If he’s bigger, let him find his own playmates or encourage him to sign up for a sport. Of course, turning off the TV is an essential part of ensuring that your child’s activity level increases, so be prepared for an argument — but also be prepared to stand your ground.
Educating the kidsYour first instinct when faced with an obese child’s health crisis may be to take the reins and make his meals, drag him outside for walks, and record his weight every single day. However, the best results in improving a child’s health come from a parent leading the way but also allowing the child to make some of his own decisions.
Educating your child without dictating his every move makes him feel empowered to make the right choices when push comes to shove (for example, when he’s at a friend’s house and surrounded by high-fat treats). If he’s been taking care of himself under your watchful eye, he’ll be able to take care of himself in the real world, too.
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For Dummies is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used here by license.