Obesity in children is on the rise and is reaching almost epidemic proportions, especially in the western world. Effective management
of childhood obesity is crucial to prevent serious, and sometimes fatal, consequences.
Is childhood obesity dangerous?
Childhood obesity is a serious condition, with both physical and mental health implications. It contributes to an increased risk of
development of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Obese children may also suffer psychological
difficulties as a result of teasing and ridicule by their peers.
While childhood obesity is a complex problem there is much that can be done. Parents, children and health practitioners can work
together to help manage childhood obesity and prevent future consequences.
Nutritional management - advice for parents of obese children
Do not place your child on a restrictive diet.
- Drastic restrictions in food intake might interfere with normal growth and development, and are not recommended
- The goal of nutritional management is to slow a child’s increase in weight or to prevent further weight gain, so that, with the natural increase in height, they achieve normal proportions
- Calorie intake should be decreased in obese children but should still comply with normal healthy eating guidelines
- One way to teach your child which foods to restrict is to use the “traffic light diet”. Green foods are those foods which can be eaten freely; orange foods should be eaten in moderation and red foods should be more strictly limited
Limit the fat content of the family diet
- Decreasing the fat content of the diet is a good way of cutting out calories, without loosing too many nutrients
- Fat intake should not be limited in children under 2 years of age, as fat is needed for proper brain development early in life
- Fat intake for obese children over 2 years should be less than 30% of total caloric intake
- Cut down on the fat content of your diet by cutting the fat off meat; de-skinning chicken; and baking, broiling, grilling or steaming foods instead of frying them
- Use low-fat dairy products
Increase the complex carbohydrate, fruit and vegetable content of the family diet
- Complex carbohydrates are low in fat and provide a valuable energy source
- High fibre foods provide bulk in the diet and help the child feel fuller, quicker
- Fruit and vegetables can be used freely in the diet to provide the necessary micronutrients for growth
- Fruit juices are high in calories and should always be diluted with water
Restrict the intake of lollies and chocolates
Excessive intake of refined carbohydrates can lead to fat deposition and weight gain. Lollies should be reserved for special occasions and treats only.
Focus on variety
Teach your children about food groups and the importance of variety in the diet. Keeping a variety of nutritious foods in your house will
help teach your child to make healthy food choices.
Modify behaviours
- Encourage your child to eat slowly
- Try to maintain a pleasant atmosphere at the dinner table
- Teach your child to respond to satiety (fullness) signals to prevent overeating
- Try giving your child food on a smaller plate so that the meal appears bigger
- Never use food as bribery as this may promote unhealthy attitudes towards food and lead to comfort eating
Set a good example
Set a good example for your children by eating healthily at home.
Advise on increasing physical activity
Dietary modifications alone are not always enough to treat obesity. Physical activity and exercise need to be increased in order to achieve
maximum success in weight loss. Some children may be uncomfortable with certain activities and it is important to respect this and try to
find activities your child is comfortable with. Simple ways to help increase your child’s physical activity include the following:
- Reduce the time spent on sedentary activities such as television viewing
- Arrange family outings that involve activities, such as swimming or running
- Encourage your child to walk instead of taking the lift
- Encourage your child to participate in extra-curricular activities
Family participation
In order to create an optimal emotional environment for your child, the treatment approach should involve the whole family. The management
of childhood obesity is a collaborative process between the obese child, the caregiver and the health care professional. Management involves
education about healthy eating, eating behaviours and physical activity, and then implementation of this knowledge with a view to healthy
weight maintenance and optimum growth and development.