"The kids at school started calling me 'fatso' when I was five. I remember crying to my mom about being called names. I didn't really think I was fat. I was very active and swam every day. Her immediate response to my unhappiness was to snap impatiently, 'Well then, lose weight!' I remember feeling crushed by her response to my misery. She didn't know what to do, and assumed just telling a five-year-old to "lose weight" was sufficient. I struggled with my weight (and self-esteem) for the next 30 years." -A Weight Controller on the psychological consequences of childhood obesity
 If you are the parent of an overweight or obese child, this site will offer you some insights, tips, and suggestions to help your child get in shape, eat healthy, and get active.
Whether you are just beginning to wonder if that "baby fat" will ever go away or if you have "tried everything" and are considering a weight loss camp or other intervention, we have nutrition articles, weight loss tips, and diet and nutrition information to help you start helping your overweight child get fit and healthy.
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| Did you know? Obesity is defined by many practitioners as 20% above normal weight.
If your child should weight around 100 pounds to be in the healthy range and he or she weighs 120 pounds, this is considered to be obese. Other practitioners use BMI (body mass index) to determine whether a child is obese. Don't be afraid to tell the truth, misguided diplomacy about childhood obesity will only prolong the problem. |
| There are many ways you can get your child more fit, from family walks to basing their allowance on chores that get them more physically active >> |
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Childhood obesity has become one of the most pressing health crises in the United States, but the childhood obesity epidemic has now spread to many countries and continents.
The School and The Hamburger Joint: Study Shows They Go Hand in Hand
If you live near a school, you probably live near a fast food restaurant. And that's no coincidence, according to a study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Researchers looked at the locations of 1292 schools and 613 fast food restaurants in Chicago, Illinois, and concluded that the restaurants were deliberately built within walking distance of schools. Thirty-five percent of the schools were within a five-minute walk of a fast food place; 80% had at least one restaurant within a ten-minute walk. Schools in highly commercial regions of the city or in high-income areas had the most fast food restaurants nearby.
The researchers, led by S. Bryn Austin of the Children's Hospital in Boston, estimated three to four times as many restaurants were clustered near schools than in areas without schools.
The restaurants in the study were members of big chains like McDonalds, Wendy's and Subway. They served complete meals, not just coffee or doughnuts. The schools were for all age levels: kindergarten through high school. Since only 6% of Chicago's children rely on school buses, most of the children could walk to the restaurants before and after school. High schoolers were able to go there for lunches if their school is an "open campus."
The authors of the study suggest that city councils should restrict the building of such restaurants near schools as a public health measure. There are already restrictions on building establishments that sell pornography, alcohol and firearms near schools. This study appears in the September 2005 issue of the American Journal of Public Health.
Causes of Childhood Obesity
Lack of physical activity or sedentary lifestyle
Eats more calories than he or she expends
Too much fat in the diet
Too much sugar in the diet
Family genetics
Tried everything but your child just can't lose weight? When is it time to try a weight loss camp or other residential program to deal with childhood obesity? >> |
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Looking for a weight loss camp or residential program for your overweight teen?
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Do's and Don'ts for Parents of Overweight Children
Much new research now centers on how best to help overweight children stop gaining weight and to encourage teen weight loss among older ones. This list of do's and don'ts for parents of overweight children is based on those studies.
Knowing When to Intervene in the Life of an Overweight Child
If you are unsure whether your child is overweight and needs intervention, you can calculate your child's body mass index yourself. If you want to help your child lose weight, the best way is to change your own habits.
Overweight Kids Can Overcome Obstacles to Exercise
Many overweight children and teens are unable to enjoy physical exercise in public. The stigma of being overweight is at its worst when the heavy child tries to exercise in front of his peers, and yet getting enough exercise is half the equation for achieving a healthy weight, along with healthy eating.
Treatments for Childhood Obesity
Treatments for childhood obesity generally fall into three categories: improved diet, increased activity, and sometimes medical action (including medication and/or weight-loss surgery).
'Mom and Dad, I...'
Talking to Your Parents About the Uncomfortable Stuff
Communication lines work both ways. It's not always only mom and dad who clam up and can't talk when talking becomes difficult. It's usually your fault, too.
The Link Between Obesity and Trauma: Addressing the Deeper Issues at Wellspring Academy
Studies suggest that some people who struggle with obesity have been victims of traumatic events like childhood physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Farewell to Pain: How Swimming Can Benefit Overweight Teens
Swimming is a fun, low-impact activity that can help people of all ages and sizes shed pounds without the pain, sweat, and heat of a gym workout.
Houston, We Have a Problem
How one teacher tried to tackle the childhood obesity problem in Houston school children.
Wellspring Family Camp
The first weight loss camp the whole family can attend - adults and their children can lose weight at a fun summer camp for families this summer >>
Is a residential program the answer for your overweight child? Learn why this option might be right for your child >>
Is Your Child a Junk Food Junkie?
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What Hidden JUNK Is in Your Food?
Can an Overweight Parent Help an Overweight Child Lose Weight? >>
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