Help Your Kids Lose Weight and Feel Great

By Nancy J. Miller-Ihli, PhD

Did you know that over the last 40 years the number of overweight children in the US has tripled? Today, an estimated one in three American children is considered to be overweight or obese. Being overweight can present numerous challenges to the individual including serious health risks. The number of young people being diagnosed with diabetes and cardiovascular disease is on the rise and something must be done now to stop this obesity epidemic.

The single most important factor regarding a child's likelihood of being overweight is their environment (not genetics). Interestingly, the weight of a child's parents is a big predictor as to whether or not the child will be overweight. Studies show that if both parents are a healthy weight a child has only a 7% chance of being overweight. If one parent is overweight the child has a 70% chance and if both parents are overweight then the child has an 80% likelihood of being overweight.

Parents always want the best for their children. No parent would want their child to face social discrimination, depression or health concerns. These are real issues for overweight and obese children so the sooner the problem is addressed the better.

A comprehensive lifestyle program including healthy eating education, exercise, nutritional support, goal setting and coaching are what will lead to long-term success. Parents must be the ultimate coaches as the head of the family and they need to know that success depends on all of these lifestyle components. Simply saying that a child needs to “move more” is not enough.

Americans are focused on convenience and we eat too few fruits and vegetables, too little fiber and too many foods high in fat and sugar. We consume highly processed foods and far too much white bread and unhealthy fast food. Meals are consumed in front of the TV or computer and families don't sit down together to talk about the day.

A healthy lifestyle combining low glycemic foods that stabilize blood glucose levels with exercise can yield dramatic results. Kids are smart and can learn to read labels and keep logs of their exercise and food intake. Their metabolisms aren't damaged by years of dieting so results can come quickly which keeps them motivated and on track. If kids learn the 80/20 rule they can improve their health and STILL get to enjoy popular foods like pizza and mac and cheese.

Wouldn't you like to set your family up for a lifetime of success and good health? A comprehensive, healthy lifestyle can do just that.