- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- iparenting fitness articles
- iparenting fitness q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Carrying the Weight
Helping Your Overweight Child
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States, according to the obesity clinic at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Chicago. Over the last 10 years, the rate of overweight children has risen by 11 percent. If this trend continues, it is possible that a majority of these overweight children will develop major health problems before the age of 20. There are no easy answers or "quick fixes" to help children lose weight and lead a healthier – not so "well-rounded" – life.
Most parents whose children are overweight tend to seek a simple reason why. They blame genetics, physical problems or even suspect thyroid disorders. In reality, the majority of weight problems in children tend to come from a lifestyle rather then a medical reason. "All families want to know if it is a 'gland' problem," says Dr. Wendy Wright, a pediatrician at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Chicago. "If necessary, I will do blood tests, but usually the physical exam is enough to clarify that it isn't the issue. I have seen hundreds of overweight children and have never found a thyroid problem."
As with adults, children who are and remain significantly overweight can develop medical complications as the weight can put unhealthy stresses on their bodies. "I would estimate that approximately 30 percent of teenagers are overweight," says Dr. Wright. "In addition, the heaviest children are tending to become even heavier. It is not uncommon to see 12- to 14-year-old children over 200 pounds. These extremely obese children often suffer from adult-like problems of diabetes, heart difficulties and bone problems."
In our society, we tend to focus a lot of time and energy on diets and losing weight. Through television and magazines we are constantly bombarded with the latest, greatest, new-and-improved way to lose weight. However, as some of these programs and techniques may be useful for adults, they are not recommended for children who are overweight. "Use a comprehensive approach to address this problem," says Dr. Wright. "This includes nutritional, behavioral and exercise interventions. Work closely with a nutritionist. It is very important that these overweight children learn to eat healthy foods. I strongly discourage fad diets and the idea of a 'diet.' The changes must be gradual and permanent. These lifestyle changes must be made in the family as a whole. One cannot expect the child not to eat the cookies his father is eating, or go outside to ride a bike while his sister sits and watches TV."
