Health and Wellness

Archive for the ‘Weight loss Tips’ Category

What should I do if my child has a weight problem? If you are a parent and believe that your child has a weight problem, first make an appointment with your primary care doctor. Your doctor will follow the steps below, to evaluate and address the problem with you and your child.

Step 1: evaluate the problem

The current tool for clinical assessment of obesity is the Body Mass index (BMI). Calculate BMI by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (kg/m2) and plot it on a BMI curve.* Children who fall over the 95th percentile are overweight or obese.

Step 2: address the problem

Try not to place blame or guilt on children by saying “you’re too heavy.” Negative comments are not helpful and may make the problem worse.  Focus on health (eating and activity habits), not weight.

Step 3: gather the pertinent information

A nutritionist or doctor will do a quick 24-hour food recall with you and your child. This is a way to gather information about meal patterns, sugared-beverages, and snacking.

Step 4: contract for change

First, the doctor will make suggestions based on the information gathered. Allow the child to choose which suggestions to take and agree on three positive changes to make.

Step 5: follow-up

Follow-up with your doctor in 2 to 4 weeks to reinforce positive changes, address new barriers and revise the former contract as needed. The doctor may send you to a nutritionist for in-depth nutrition counseling, advice on cooking, shopping, and eating out.