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)

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Walking: A Key to Weight Loss

Doctors prescribe Walking as the best medicine for weight loss.We... Read More

Gene?s Diet Plan

Hot dang! If a few hundred other folks can peddle... Read More

Atkins Diet ? Simple Advice

Just like any other diet, the Atkins diet can become... Read More

Hollywood Weight Loss Secrets ? Five Things to Avoid!

As an employee of famous fitness star Kathy Smith, personal... Read More

7 Power Packed Tips to Help You Lose Weight & Gain Optimal Health

Did you know that what you're eating could be making... Read More

Why Are There Different Diet Types?

Diet is a dreadful word for most of us because... Read More

Japanese Weight Loss Secret

Recently, I read an article from Japanese magazine that by... Read More

The History of Tumescent Liposuction

Liposuction is also referred to as lipoplasty, suction-assisted lipectomy and... Read More

I Cant Weight (One Mans Diet)

From the book Spider's Big CatchLike many people, I've decided... Read More

NotOneOunce -- Junk at the Office

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

Fast Weight Loss Takes Time

I recently received the following email:Q. Five weeks ago, I... Read More

Citric Fruits - A Healthy Food

New studies suggested once again that citric fruits including oranges,... Read More

How Safe Is the Atkins Diet?

The Atkins Diet Seems To Never Go AwayFad diets come... Read More

Weight Loss Issues - Can You Be Cellulite Free?

One thing I really must say at the outset of... Read More

Drink Beer AND Lose Weight

Want to shed that beer belly? Why not try the... Read More

The Miraculous Claims of the Zone Diet

One way of recognizing a fad diet is... Read More

For Effective Weight Loss - Curb Hunger And Avoid The Binge

Curb Hunger and Avoid The Costly BingeEveryone's been there -... Read More

Ultimate Weight loss: Ephedra is it Good or Bad?

I have had some e-mails come in and everyone is... Read More

Winning at Post-Partum Weight Loss: Six Simple Strategies for New Moms ? Part 2

A healthy pregnancy almost always involves weight gain. But now... Read More

Weight Loss Story -- What Did I Do Wrong?

Two basic approaches to losing weight; one approach is correct... Read More

Gastric Bypass Surgery - What Are The Risks?

Although all of the risks involved in gastric bypass surgery... Read More

College Weight Gain

Students today are faced with the serious reality of unwanted... Read More

Drinking Green Tea May Help You Lose Weight

Green Tea Also Has Anticancer PropertiesGreen tea, which has been... Read More

Eating Healthy Diet Tips

Some (not so) Silly Diet Tips and Why They're NotAt... Read More

Dieting Effects ? Diet Pills

When it comes to our weight and the appearance of... Read More

Fake Weight Loss Programs and Pills: Is Your Weight Loss Program Safe and Effective?

In this age being ignorant is like committing a crime.... Read More

Why You Must Eat Before Going to Bed?

You have probably heard the old myth, that you should... Read More

A Before and After Look at Tummy Tucks

If you have a protruding abdomen, loose skin as a... Read More

Were Cave Dwellers Ever Fat?

In our mind's eye, we see our ancient ancestors as... Read More

Burn Fat Not Sugar!

You are going to be pleasantly surprised! Most people think... Read More

First Component of Weight Loss

Any true body transformation starts with self?discovery. It is an... Read More

The Fail-Safe Weight Loss Formula

Yes Virginia, the fail-safe weight loss formula exists.It's so simple,... 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