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.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

How do I Tackle My 10-year-old's Weight Problem?

A concerned mother recently wrote in to CNN's Expert Q&A, asking for help with her overweight daughter. Though mother and daughter walk two to three miles several times per week and follow a healthy diet plan, her daughter is still significantly overweight.
"Your goal for your daughter at this age should be geared more towards weight maintenance rather than weight loss, allowing her to grow into her weight as she ages and her height increases. If she does lose weight, the [American Academy of Pediatrics] suggests that weight loss for children aged 2-11 be no more than 1 pound per month..."
Diet and fitness expert Dr. Melina Jampolis also suggested family outings that are based around activities such as mini-golf or bowling. She also suggested limiting TV time to a maximum of two hours per day. Source: CNN

Labels: parenting, advice

Posted By: Aspen Education Group

Comments:

Chelsea on 1/11/2011
Anyone who is looking to lose weight should see their doctor, or have their parents take them to the doctor, and get assessed. Often seeing a nutritionist is a great idea, since a trained professional can help set up a program that is right for a person's specific age, nutritional needs and weight loss goals.
Natalie on 12/28/2010
Hi,my name is Natalie. I am 10 years old and weigh 120, and I am 5'3". The doctor says I need to lose weight, but I don't know how to,what to do,what to eat,or should I have I diet? My mom is a ZUMBA instuctor and she teaches at a gym that only lets 12 year olds go and work out and are very stricked. I also joined girls on the run, and ran 5 k (3 miles) and thought I would lose weight but I acctualy gained wieght!Before I joined, I weighed 110. Also I go to SACC which is an after school program and my parents pick me up at 6:00, then I eat diner, go to the gym, and then go to sleep at like 9:00. I barely have time and people make fun of me. I really need help and don't know what to do?
Maya on 11/7/2010
Hi. My name is Maya. I Am 10 years old and weigh 109.4 pounds. I am taller than almost all of the girls in my school exept for one who is also self- consious. I dint look fat but feel it. Pleeeeeasssseee help. I get made fun of soo much cuz of my weight
marisa megan on 9/28/2010
hi im skiiny but i still want to loose wieght my friends say im fat when there fatter than me plz help
admin on 8/24/2010
Grace & Angel: I'm one of the administrators of this site, and because I think your comments are extremely important, I wanted to be sure to reply to you as quickly as possible. First, I want to encourage you to talk to a responsible adult (your parents, a teacher, school nurse, family doctor or someone else you trust) about the concerns you are having about your weight. From time to time, almost everyone worries about their weight or their appearance, so you're not alone in what you are feeling. But you need to be sure that you're focusing on what's most important -- your health. That means eating nutritious food and getting the right amount of exercise. These are both things that your parents or other trusted adult can help you with. Finally, though this isn't always easy, it's very important that you don't let yourself worry too much about your size, shape or appearance. At your age, these things will change quickly as you continue to grow and develop. What's most important is that you eat healthy foods, stay active (play a sport, get outside with friends, go for walks with your family), and talk to your parents, teacher, or other responsible adult about any worries you have regarding your weight, your appearance (or anything else, for that matter). And please write back to let us know how you're doing!
angel oh on 8/20/2010
hi im 10 years old im somewhat taller that an average ten year old but i am 124 pounds! i want to be 75 though. HELP!~
grace george on 8/16/2010
hi im 10 years old i live in cambridge and im over weight my thighs are big i just wanna lose weight on my thighs and tummy HELP plz