‘Going on a diet’ is something that most people have done at some stage in their lives, but if your child is overweight putting them on a diet can start them on the path of yo-yo dieting, binge eating, and the nightmare cycle of continual weight loss and weight gain. If you put a child on a diet you make them feel ‘different’ and under pressure, as well as restricted, and ultimately it will backfire.

The food you serve to your overweight child should be the same food that the whole family eats. It needs to be tasty, healthy and nutritious and contain as few foods as possible that are known to cause obesity and overweight. A healthy diet can still include treats – the occasional fast food meal or chocolate bar is not going to hurt when it is eaten in the context of an overall healthy diet. Indeed if you ban any one food your child may develop a fixation for it which could ultimately lead to an all out binge.

Involving the whole family in a new healthy eating programme will be beneficial to all and will put the family on a path to health and fitness which will set them up for life. Exercise is another vital factor – there is no point in changing to a healthy diet if your family is going to sit around all day on the computer or watching TV. Exercise needs to be regular, and a part of daily life. It doesn’t have to be a structured exercise plan – just get everybody moving by taking regular walks together, kicking a football around the park, dancing around to some lively music. Make it a fun time for the family and it will become something to look forward to and enjoy rather than dread.

The main difference between an overweight adult and an overweight child is the fact that children are still growing. The aim of changing eating habits is to maintain your child’s weight until they grow into it. Some children will lose weight when they change to a healthier eating plan, especially if they were very poor eaters before, but losing more than a pound of weight a week is not recommended because you need to ensure that your child is eating enough food for growth and development. Adults can cut their food intake considerably without compromising their future health, but dieting is not the answer. A permanent change to healthy eating and more exercise will have the pounds falling off consistently and help maintain a healthy body for life.
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