Parents may be tempted to put their child on a diet if they feel that the child is overweight or obese, and are concerned about their health and well-being. This is not a good idea for several reasons:

• Health experts agree that the best course of action is to reduce the rate of weight gain so that the child will grow into their current weight as they grow taller.
• Putting children on a diet can lead to growth and development problems because they need a certain amount of food to meet energy and nutritional needs.
• Focusing on weight loss will take its toll on the child’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth.

All children grow at different rates and at different times in their lives. If you are concerned about your child’s weight, you should consult with their doctor to rule out any health condition that may be affecting their weight. This assessment should include monitoring their Body Mass Index (BMI-for-age) over time to help determine if the child is overweight or at risk for being overweight. Lifestyle monitoring of eating and activity patterns should also be assessed. An individualized approach, developed with the child’s doctor, will help them to grow into their current weight slowly. However, there are some cases where the doctor may recommend a very gradual weight loss for a fixed period of time.

The doctor may also recommend further consultation with a Registered Dietitian. The dietitian can provide a detailed assessment of eating patterns, suggest how to make diet changes slowly, and monitor the child’s progress. When it comes to issues involving your child’s self-esteem, it is very important to be a constant source of support. Parents should always avoid singling out their child if they are overweight. To promote a healthy self-esteem, focus on your child’s health and positive qualities.

FAST FACTS

Over the past twenty years, the rates for overweight and obese Canadians have risen sharply.

• 6 million or 49% of adults are overweight and almost 3 million or 15% are obese.
• This alarming trend can also be seen in children. Currently, about 30% of children are overweight or obese, more than three times as many as 20 years ago.