This is a tough issue. No parent wants to hear that their child is overweight, and the ones who do seek advice, are concerned enough already that they are likely regulating their child's diet on their own, and the ones that don't see it as a problem, probably aren't reading this article. Despite this catch 22, there are still things that are important to talk about.
First, I must stress that the main issue to focus on is health and not looks. Yes, looks do matter, but it can be highly destructive to the child's self-esteem if they are overly discouraged by their physical appearance. (See: "Do looks matter?")
And it really is about health anyway. In fact, obesity destroys health across the board, including a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, a weakened immune system, and shortening of the lifespan itself.
Childhood obesity in never the child's fault!
Although genetics do contribute to weight abnormalities, most of the time, childhood obesity is simply caused by over-feeding. I have rarely seen anything more powerful than a mother's instinct to feed her child! But childhood obesity is in large part due to this otherwise caring instinct run without regulation.
Realistically, the parent's own eating habits are going to be the child's eating habits too. Do you really see yourself indulging in a Mcflurry in front of your child and saying, "No, sorry. You can't have one...It's too fattening!" Of course not. We set the tone of what is "normal" in the home.
Childhood obesity develops because the parents believe that situation to be normal - or feel helpless to change it. This is quite understandable. Making a dietary adjustment requires a lifestyle change. If you were never in the habit of eating healthy, than it's asking a lot to all of a sudden start doing it. The same goes with exercise.
Over-feeding combined with low exercise is most responsible for childhood obesity.
In addition, our food choices are limited. Believe it or not, most of the food that is available for sale is unhealthy.
So how do you beat all of these obstacles?
First, keep the focus on health, not looks.
Second, remember that we are setting the dietary standards by example.
Third, understand that our natural instinct to use food for love sometimes work against us.
Forth, don't be fooled. Know that just because it's available for sale, doesn't mean that it's safe.
As I said, this is a tough issue to conquer...But it can be done! However, every child's biology is different, and you should consult a health care professional before beginning any new dietary approach.