Weight Loss in Children

What is "too young" to begin a weight loss program with children? Is there actually such a thing? There are many different opinions on the topic of child obesity but one thing everyone can agree on is that it is becoming an epidemic in North America. Many reports show that obesity now kills more people in a year than smoking does.

So whose fault is it? I don't think there is any one area of blame but a combination of many. The fast paced lives that we lead have created more of a demand for "quick" meals whether they are pre packages or fast foods. The consumption of junk food is at an all time high with more and more variety that are all very attractive to our kids. Parents often think they are doing something nice for their kids when they give in to the demands of "I have to have that" when they see the constant advertising of attractive and yummy treats on television. Lack of exercise, face it many kids to day are just plain lazy. So is a weight loss program the answer for overweight and obese kids? My answer is definitely yes. If however you ask me is the answer to put these kids on a diet?my answer is definitely NO!

So what is the difference? Weigh loss means changing the way your child eats in a very positive way. Tell them to eat more fruits and vegetables because they are healthy for them. Keeping the junk food out of the house is the best way to make sure they are not eating it. I don't mean that an occasional treat is not ok but the key word here is "occasional." Watch their fat intake. Pre packaged foods and fast foods are very high in fat especially Trans fats which are very dangerous. More and more companies have realized this danger and are offering Trans fat free foods. Get your child involved in physical activities. Today our children's lives often revolve around television, video games and computers. The common negative denominator here is that they all involve just sitting. These are all excellent ways to help our children with their weight.

There is a big difference between healthy weight loss and a diet. A diet is something negative that makes children feel focused on their size rather than their health. Diet does not mean healthy it means getting thin any way possible, which is exactly the opposite of what we want our kids to believe. What you teach your kids when they are young about eating habits is the seed you plant for their future and giving our children good health is in my opinion our responsibility.

Cass Hope is a registered massage therapist who has studied and counseled in nutrition. Cass regularly contributes to online and offline publications dealing with weight loss and nutrition. She is currently sponsoring this site: http://www.naturalsuccess.info

(for web reprints please ensure this URL is hyperlinked)

---

Three Steps to Achieving Your Health Goals

We all have aspects of health we want to improve.... Read More

The College Student?s Guide for EASY WEIGHT LOSS!

Weight loss is a hot topic among college students today,... Read More

Obesity, Whats The Big Deal Part 4

In this issue, I am going to focus more on... Read More

Diet and Exercise Evolution: Water: 65% of Your Body Cant be Wrong

The Liver The function of your kidneys is to filter... Read More

An Incredible New Weight Loss Product ? Your Brain!

I would like to introduce you to an incredible new... Read More

The Secret To Permanent Weight Loss

AND SAVE MONEY IN THE PROCESS. The secret is simple... Read More

Six Super Easy Weight Loss Tips

If you have been trying to lose weight permanently, then... Read More

Hear What Your Diet Pills Say

Used a diet pill recently and got depressed because you... Read More

Pushing Gastric Bypass: When to Talk, When to Keep Quiet

Sharing our bariatric stories is as personal decision as electing... Read More

Surviving Glycemic Diets (Ketogenic, Low-Carb or Atkins):

1.The first step to living a Glycemic Diet Lifestyle is... Read More

Low Carb Diet Secrets Revealed!

You may be considering a low carb diet program, but... Read More

Effects of Exercise on the Relationship Between Low Self-Esteem and Obesity in Children (May 2000)

IntroductionObesity is the most common health problem facing children today.... Read More

Obesity and Weight Loss ? Muscle and the Importance of Low Body Fat!

Today you have a good chance of getting diabetes or... Read More

Weight Loss Through the Right Natural Food

At its most basic, dieting is about burning more calories... Read More

After Gastric Bypass: Some Tough Love on Grieving Food

New gastric bypass patients say they miss food, they grieve... Read More

The Milk Diet -- Is it Your Solution for Losing Weight?

For sometime now, you've been hearing about the Milk Diet... Read More

When Cellulite Attacks!

Cellulite is a recent addition to the English language. In... Read More

Eating Out

I know how difficult it can be do stick to... Read More

Diet Fads: Supermarket Sheep

Eighteen or twenty years ago, I was into high protein,... Read More

How To Indulge and Win The Battle of The Bulge During The Holidays: Get Yourself a Buddy

If you are trying to lose weight, the holidays literally... Read More

How to Lose Weight On A Gluten Free Diet

Many celiacs lose weight before they are diagnosed; indeed it... Read More

Spare Muscle Mass and Power, Lose the Fat

The goal of many athletes and exercisers is to "get... Read More

NotOneOunce -- Junk at the Office

After the post-Halloween sugar surge, everyone coaches you to get... Read More

5 Tips For Weight Loss

Are you ready to lose some weight? Perhaps you're surfing... Read More

Fad Diet Popularity

A common question among weight loss professionals...If fad diets don't... Read More

Mind, Body Weight Loss for life equals behavior change - The Acceptance Factor

Getting to the ROOT of the matter: If the plants... Read More

Body Wraps & Weight Loss

Body wraps can help tone and tighten the skin, improve... Read More

Hunger Free Eating - How To Eat Less And Not Feel Hungry

There are many diets, all of which boil down to... Read More

Eat Out and Lose Weight -- 25 Easy & Healthy Tips for Dining Out

Diners have become more health-conscious the last few years, and... Read More

Five Really Tough Dieting Tips

If you are losing, trying to lose, or think you... Read More

After WLS Patients Must Give-up Coffee, Tea, Soda and Alcohol to Sustain Weight Loss

Dieters are often told ? drink water. Drink a minimum... Read More

Setting Morning Intentions For Success

Ever heard of the expression, "Getting up on the wrong... Read More

What is the Glycemic Index?

Over the last 30 years, research into food and blood... Read More