Obesity in kids is a growing problem in most advanced countries.
Unfortunately, what works for adults may not even be advisable for children. Below are a few weight loss strategies you can try to achieve or maintain your kid’s ideal weight.
Table of Contents
Determine an Appropriate Weight Target
A lot of kids shouldn’t lose weight if they’re still growing. Since they are still developing, it is recommended that they either keep the same weight or gain weight more slowly.
Teenagers in their late teens may be able to shed between 1 and 2 pounds every week. The physician caring for your kid can give you the specifics related to the weight target.
Avoid Diet Fads
Putting your kid on a diet may be the first thing you think of.
But unless your child’s physician advises it, you should steer clear of drastic calorie restriction schemes.
This may prevent them from getting enough calories and nutrients to develop normally.
Furthermore, many diets may instill in your kid that some foods are off-limits or “bad,” altering their perspective about eating.
Diet pills or similar supplements are not recommended unless the doctor recommends them.
Very little is known about the effects of these medications on youngsters, so it’s better to stay safe than sorry.
Get The Body Moving
Adults generally know the importance of exercise.
Thus, even though adults may not like it that much, most will find a way to do it.
Unfortunately, kids are more challenging as it’s difficult to make them do anything they don’t like. Hence, your best bet is to make exercise as fun as possible.
One excellent idea is swimming programs for kids. Most youngsters enjoy the pool. It’s a perfect blend for them to get good exercise while having a good time.
Have Meals Together
You may promote better lifestyle choices by having family meals together and away from the TV.
According to studies, children who ate together with the family at least three times per week had a 16% lower risk of eating unhealthy foods and a 14% lower risk of becoming overweight.
Hence, planning a few meals together as a family each week is a good idea. Also, try to engage as many people as possible in the food preparation.
Serve Plenty of Fresh Produce
In general, fruits and vegetables have few calories and many beneficial nutrients. A daily diet for a child should consist of 1-3 cups of veggies and 1-2 cups of fruit.
Use these strategies to sneak in extra servings:
Take your kid shopping with you and let them choose their own fruits and vegetables.
Make a fruit smoothie and drink it for breakfast or as a midday snack.
Make sure that every meal and snack includes a fruit or vegetable. For example, provide a salad with a sandwich for lunch and some raw vegetables with hummus for snack time.
Vegetables may be substituted for meat in kid-friendly meals like spaghetti, lasagna, and chili.
Wrapping It All Up
So that’s it for now.
Of course, there are more strategies that you can employ to help your kids acquire their ideal weight.
For now, this article should help get the ball rolling and point you in the right direction.
