Ask The Expert is a weekly column on Littlestomaks.com. The idea is to have a reader-submitted question answered by a nutrition expert or a pediatrician. Feel free to submit your question in the comments section below.
This week, Registered Dietitian Caryn Roll advises against trying weight loss for overweight or obese children. Instead she recommends that you help them grow into their current weight through healthy eating and physical activity.
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Caryn Roll, BSc, BA, RD
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Question: My child is obese. What can I do to help him lose weight?
Answer:
Weight loss is generally not recommended for children. The goal in helping an obese child is to have them grow into their current weight. This can be achieved through healthy eating and regular physical activity.
Here a few nutrition tips that might help:
- Parents are in control of what they purchase and prepare for meals and snacks. If it becomes difficult saying no to your child about a particular food then consider keeping it out of the house.
- Give your child the choice. When they are hungry, offer something healthy. If they ask for something junky you need to hold firm and tell you child they can have the healthy choice or nothing. It sounds harsh but it is our job as parents to make sure our kids eat properly. Save treats for special occasions and for once a week family time (ice cream parlor, Sunday night desserts, family game night etc…)
- Children need to be aware of their hunger and satiety cues. If they continue to eat after they are full they will put on weight. As a parent, it is important to understand that children can be hungry anytime and not necessarily at designated meals and snacks. Consequently, ask your child if they feel full before serving second helpings.
- Make sure your children’s portion sizes and food choices meet the recommendations for Canada’s Food Guide or the USDA Food Guide Pyramid. Remember, if the food in question is not on your food guide then it should be considered a sometimes food.
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Disclaimer – Information provided in Ask The Expert column on Littlestomaks.com is intended to give you general guidance on a question related to toddler nutrition. It is not meant to be treated as medical advice. You are welcome to contact this expert for a detailed consultation on your specific situation to determine what actions, if any, you should take regarding nutrition and health of your toddlers. We do not recommend you to take any action based solely on the information presented in this column. Experts have agreed to provide their professional opinion on toddler nutrition related questions on a voluntary basis and no compensation is offered to them by Littlestomaks.com.
