How to figure out if your child is overweight

Many parents worry about whether their kids are at an unhealthy weight. One way to know for sure is to check with your child's doctor, who will determine if your child is above the ideal weight for her height and age. If your child is moderately overweight, there will probably be no talk of dieting at this age. Instead, the emphasis will be on lowering the rate of weight gain as the child grows taller. You can help stall your child's weight gain by changing eating habits, lowering fat intake, and increasing the level of physical activity. Don't punish or scold your child - use positive reinforcement. Make physical activity fun and rewarding, and involve the entire family.

If a child is more than 40% overweight, a doctor-guided weight loss program may be suggested. During the course of the program, the emphasis should be on adopting a healthier lifestyle for the long term, not just on losing weight now. No matter what your children's size or shape, help them love themselves by praising their strengths and skills. It is important to de-emphasize weight and emphasize feeling healthy and strong. Above all, never put a child in this age group on a diet without consulting your doctor first. Restricting a child's diet too much can interfere with growth and development. A registered dietitian who specializes in children's nutritional needs can be a big help.

Although rapid growth and weight gain are part of puberty and adolescence, many children and teens become overweight because of too many calories and too little exercise. Encourage your child to be physically active, whether in an organized sport or individual pursuit. Whatever your child likes, if it gets her moving for about 30 minutes a day, encourage it.

If your child or teen tends to sit around and watch television or play video games, try gently introducing more physical activities into your family life. Take a walk together, go for a bike ride, or offer to take your child and some friends to the pool. Although many teens are anxious to spend time away from their parents, maybe you can take advantage of the small time you have together to get some exercise.

next: Tips for Kids on Eating Well and Feeling Good about Yourself