Question 1

my child is overweight! what can i do to help him live a long, healthy life?

Accepted Answer

Exercise: The best thing for an overweight child is to establish a routine of physical activity - doesn't have to be sports, but whatever it is, it should be fun and sustainable. Teaching your child to enjoy being active will set him or her up for a lifetime of good health. 
Good eating habits are important too - especially keeping the high calorie foods -  sofas (solid fats, added sugar) - to a minimum.

Question 2

child overweight, doesn't want to exercise, what to do?

Accepted Answer

Childhood obesity: A growing problem in our country is childhood obesity.  The dietary education is slowly happening in schools, but there needs to be an emphasis on regular exercise as well.  I would suggest finding an activity they think is fun...Dance, soccer, karate, and encouraging it.  Also, make them turn off the electronics for an hour or so a day, and engage in activities.  The video games and apps can wait.

Question 3

why would a child who has small healthy portions be overweight?

Accepted Answer

Physical activity: Lack of physical activity is a common reason children are overweight.  Limit tv and video games, and encourage active play such as riding a bike or other outdoor sports.  Participating in these activities as a family will set a good example for your child.

Question 4

my child is 5-10 pounds overweight; how can she lose it if she loves food?

Accepted Answer

Play more: One way to counteract the excess calories is to burn it off with more activities.  Take away tv time or the video games.  Gradually work on behavioral changes.

Question 5

i have one child who is overweight and another who is thin.  so, what do i cook for dinner?

Accepted Answer

Not a problem: Cook healthy.  The thin one will love it and not notice the difference. The overweight one will learn good habits. Make balanced meals that are heavy on fruit and vegetables. Avoid convenience foods, fast foods, and junk foods. No hot dogs and burgers!  allow limited desserts on weekends only, dinner only. Provide nutritious snacks like non-fat yogurt and fruit anytime. Reward good habits.

Question 6

would a person who was overweight as a child, but is in a currently healthy weight as a adult have any future complications?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Unlikely, things like diabetes and hi blood pressure go away (often at any age) when you become healthy! congratulations!

Question 7

what symptoms will an overweight child display?

Accepted Answer

Possibly  some: The obsity is bad enough and reflects poor diet, particularly sugary stuff. The trouble with that is that it might make the child more emotional and cause add or adhd or even more colds, "flu" etc.

Question 8

how do i prevent my child from getting overweight?

Accepted Answer

Be a good role model: Engage your whole family in healthy lifestyle activities- pack and picnic and go to the park, take family hikes and bike rides.  Spend time at the pool and outside (and not in the movie theater) during summer.  Make grocery shopping for healthy foods fun by involving your kids in the shopping and cooking process.  Make activity a part of the daily routine.

Question 9

motherinlaw blamed me for my childs overweight problem?

Accepted Answer

Take the family.....: Take your child, your husband, your mother-in-law, and any other person involved in the care of this overweight child to the doctor.  Get professional help from your pediatrician or get a referral to preventive cardiology (or pediatric obesity).  With everyone in the same room at the same time, ask how to help the child.  It isn't about blame, it is now "all about the health of the child" now!

Question 10

what is the definition or description of: overweight child?

Accepted Answer

BMI 85-95%: An overweight child is a child who's body mass index (BMI) is between 85-95%le. This is calculated using his/her weight and height and then compared with other children in a standard graph. If their BMI is &gt;95%le they fall in the obesity category.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

How do I know if my child is overweight

A member asked:

My child is overweight! what can i do to help him live a long, healthy life?

A member asked:

Child overweight, doesn't want to exercise, what to do?

A member asked:

Why would a child who has small healthy portions be overweight?

A member asked:

My child is 5-10 pounds overweight; how can she lose it if she loves food?

A member asked:

I have one child who is overweight and another who is thin. so, what do i cook for dinner?

A member asked:

Would a person who was overweight as a child, but is in a currently healthy weight as a adult have any future complications?

A member asked:

What symptoms will an overweight child display?

A member asked:

How do i prevent my child from getting overweight?

A member asked:

Motherinlaw blamed me for my childs overweight problem?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: overweight child?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?