Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

The My Overweight Child blog will help you keep informed about the latest research, findings, and resources available to parents of overweight or obese kids. There are many knowledgeable people working on the increasingly dire problem of childhood obesity - and we want to give parents a place where they can check in regularly to see the latest studies and tips available to help you help your child lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We invite you to add your comments - if you have feedback for the blog, would like some specific topics covered, or you just want to share your experience as a parent dealing with childhood obesity.

Outgrowing Baby Fat

Has your doctor told you that your child will outgrow her "baby fat"? While the chubby cheeks and thighs of infancy often slim down after a child starts walking, the longer that she carries excess weight, the more likely she is to be an obese adult. In fact, while an overweight 3 year old has only a 10-20 percent chance of becoming an obese adult, this figure jumps to 80-90 percent for an overweight 11 year old.

A recent British study reported in the professional journal BMJ, tracked almost 6,000 11 and 12 year old children until they completed secondary school. Very few of those who were overweight or obese at the start of the study had reduced weight by the end, suggesting that a high amount of fat at 11 years old is predictive of adult obesity.

This study highlights the importance of asking your healthcare provider to check your child's growth during well child visits and advise you if she is overweight. Early childhood is the best time to instill healthy lifestyle behaviors that will reduce body fat - and keep it off.

Posted By: Lori S