Are weight loss supplements a good idea for children?

Are weight loss supplements a good idea for children?

Although there are several weight loss supplements on the market today, health professionals agree that none are safe for children under 18. In fact, many people could harm instead of helping your child.

The only true (and proven) way for your child to lose weight is through diet and exercise. There is no “magic pill” that melts away the weight that many companies want to believe.

diet

If your child is overweight, most likely other family members are too, and they may also benefit from healthier diet changes. The key to helping your child lose weight is to make small, almost unnoticeable changes to everyone's diet. Don't choose your child by feeding them yourself! This does nothing but undermine her self-esteem, which may already be low due to her weight.

Move your family toward a healthier lifestyle by first having everyone eat at the table as a family, not in front of the TV or in their room. Studies have shown that children who eat with their family are less likely to be overweight.

Make it easier for your child to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Start by placing a bowl of apples and oranges on the table throughout the day. Or store washed, bite-sized vegetables in the fridge with a healthy dip.

Next, you should gradually reduce the sugary drinks and sodas (even diet and fruit punch are not good for them). Start by reducing by one in the first week, by two in the second week, and so on, until your child stops drinking at all. Encourage your child to drink water instead.

Make sure your child has time for breakfast. Your mother was right - it's the most important meal of the day, but many children don't eat. As counterintuitive as it may seem, skipping breakfast leads to weight gain.

Exercise

The first step to getting your child more exercise is to limit the time spent watching TV or playing video games. Instead, use this time for physical activities, such as: B. play outside or do sports or go for a walk as a family. Geocaching is a fun sport for children of all ages (and adults too). The physical activity must be fun, otherwise you will encounter resistance to it.

Another way to get your children interested in healthy eating is to involve them in meal planning and grocery shopping. Not only will they learn what foods are healthy, but they will also get exercise as they walk through the grocery store and a sense of ownership as they help out.

Inspired by J Russell Hart