Diet for Obese Kids - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the frequency of childhood obesity has continued to increase for decades. The consequences are severe and include a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, asthma and social and emotional problems. If your child is obese, you need to know what an appropriate diet is, and you should also work with your child's doctor to monitor the situation.
BMI and Obesity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention use the body mass index, or BMI, as an indicator of body fatness. You can calculate a child's BMI by dividing weight in pounds by the square of height in inches, and multiplying by 703. Plot your child's BMI on a reference BMI-for-age growth chart to see whether your child is underweight, which is less than the fifth percentile of BMI for age; normal weight, or fifth to 95th percentile; overweight, or 85th to 95th percentile; or obese, which is greater than the 95th percentile.
Goals
Unlike diets for obese adults, diets for obese children should not focus on weight loss unless your physician recommends it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain that the goal should be to slow down weight gain as your child continues to grow taller. Instead of an overly restrictive diet that may cause deficiencies, you want your child's diet to deliver all of the healthy nutrients, such as protein, vitamins and minerals, that she needs for healthy development.
Calorie Balance
Children become obese by eating more calories than they need for daily living, growth and exercise, and a diet for obese children should provide a more appropriate number of calories. Some ways that you can reduce calories in your children's favorite recipes are to substitute lower fat ingredients for full fat options or to add vegetables. Another key factor in calorie balance is physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can help your child balance calories by reducing the hours he spends in front of the television or computer and encouraging him to be physically active by walking, dancing or playing sports.
Healthy Foods
Diets for obese children should emphasize healthy foods while limiting high-calorie, low-nutrient junk foods, such as sugary soft drinks, sweets and fried foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest having reduced-fat dairy products and lean protein, such as chicken, fish and beans, instead of higher fat alternatives, such as high fat cheese or fatty meats. Make fruits, vegetables and whole grains part of your regular diet. These foods can not only provide nutrients for your child, but are low in calories to support a better calorie balance.
Advice for Parents
As a parent, you can encourage healthy eating patterns by setting a good example because children tend to follow their parents' actions. In addition, KidsHealth recommends that you do not turn food into an emotional battle by using it as a reward or punishment or by making children clean their plates. Remember to leave room in your child's diet for special treats so that she does not feel isolated if her peers are celebrating a birthday or other special event. Always consult your child's doctor to be sure that you are doing your best for your child. ( livestrong.com )
Blog : Shadow Of Death | Diet for Obese Kids
BMI and Obesity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention use the body mass index, or BMI, as an indicator of body fatness. You can calculate a child's BMI by dividing weight in pounds by the square of height in inches, and multiplying by 703. Plot your child's BMI on a reference BMI-for-age growth chart to see whether your child is underweight, which is less than the fifth percentile of BMI for age; normal weight, or fifth to 95th percentile; overweight, or 85th to 95th percentile; or obese, which is greater than the 95th percentile.
Goals
Unlike diets for obese adults, diets for obese children should not focus on weight loss unless your physician recommends it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain that the goal should be to slow down weight gain as your child continues to grow taller. Instead of an overly restrictive diet that may cause deficiencies, you want your child's diet to deliver all of the healthy nutrients, such as protein, vitamins and minerals, that she needs for healthy development.
Calorie Balance
Children become obese by eating more calories than they need for daily living, growth and exercise, and a diet for obese children should provide a more appropriate number of calories. Some ways that you can reduce calories in your children's favorite recipes are to substitute lower fat ingredients for full fat options or to add vegetables. Another key factor in calorie balance is physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can help your child balance calories by reducing the hours he spends in front of the television or computer and encouraging him to be physically active by walking, dancing or playing sports.
Healthy Foods
Diets for obese children should emphasize healthy foods while limiting high-calorie, low-nutrient junk foods, such as sugary soft drinks, sweets and fried foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest having reduced-fat dairy products and lean protein, such as chicken, fish and beans, instead of higher fat alternatives, such as high fat cheese or fatty meats. Make fruits, vegetables and whole grains part of your regular diet. These foods can not only provide nutrients for your child, but are low in calories to support a better calorie balance.
Advice for Parents
As a parent, you can encourage healthy eating patterns by setting a good example because children tend to follow their parents' actions. In addition, KidsHealth recommends that you do not turn food into an emotional battle by using it as a reward or punishment or by making children clean their plates. Remember to leave room in your child's diet for special treats so that she does not feel isolated if her peers are celebrating a birthday or other special event. Always consult your child's doctor to be sure that you are doing your best for your child. ( livestrong.com )
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