Please note: This information was as current as we could make it on the date given above. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education Web site.
An article on this topic is available in this issue of AFP.
Helping Your Child Keep a Healthy Weight
How do I know if my child is overweight?
Your doctor will use a chart to find out if your child might be overweight. Your child is overweight if he or she is heavier than 85 percent of other children who are the same age and height. If your child has bigger bones, he or she may weigh more because of that, not because of too much fat.
What can I do to keep my child from being overweight?
Weight problems can be very hard to fix, so it's important to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help you keep your child at a healthy weight:
- Don't make your child eat when he or she isn't hungry--it's OK if not every drink or every meal gets finished.
- Don't use food to comfort or to reward.
- Don't offer dessert as a reward for finishing a meal. Doing this teaches your child to value sweets more than other foods.
- Offer your child a healthy diet. No more than 30 percent of all the calories your child eats should be fat calories. Ask your doctor or a dietitian to teach you about the right kinds of food to feed your child. Your child needs to get lots of fiber from fruits, vegetables and grains.
- Don't eat at fast-food restaurants more than once a week.
- Limit how much TV your child watches. Try to get your child to do something active instead, like riding a bicycle or playing ball.
- Spend time being active with your child--go on family walks and play outdoor games together whenever you can.
- Teach your child good eating and exercise habits now to help him or her have a healthy life.
How can I give my child better eating habits?
Most of what your child eats depends on what you bring home from the grocery store. Try not to buy foods that are pre-packaged, sugary or high in fat. Instead, buy foods that are low in fat and high in fiber. After your child is 2 years old, skim milk can safely replace whole milk. Make sure all meals and snacks are eaten at the table, and not in front of the TV. Get the whole family to start eating a healthier diet, so your child won't feel alone.
How can I help my child get more physical activity?
One of the best things you can do for your child is to limit TV time. Instead, suggest playing tag, having foot races, skating and playing other active games. Encourage your child to join school and community sports teams. Take the whole family on walks and bike rides and to ball games.
This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.
Visit familydoctor.org for information on this and many other health-related topics.
Copyright © 1999 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for nonprofit educational uses. Written permission is required for all other uses, including electronic uses.
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