Q: I was told last week by my daughter’s pediatrician that she really needs to lose weight. She’s always been heavy, but I never really thought it was a problem until now. She’s 10, and as she gets older she’s picked-on and called names at school more and more because of her weight. How can I help her lose weight and improve her health fast?
A: There is no quick fix. Obesity in children has been increasing by the thousands each year. Equally important are the psychological and social ramifications. Feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and being teased or bullied are often experienced by overweight children. I know adults who exercise more compassion and good judgment toward the beloved family pet’s health than their own child’s. When the vet tells them they’re over-feeding their dog, they immediately go out and buy a lower calorie pet food to reduce their weight. They understand that obesity will most likely lead to future health problems and a shorter lifespan. The same applies to our children—it’s that simple! No matter if we try a weight reduction program or have our child work with a nutritionist, the bottom line is that their diet and portion sizes must change. There has to be a switch to a more nutritious and healthy diet in combination with the implementation of a regular exercise routine. Start today, the lifelong physical and mental health of your child is at stake.
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