How Can a Child Lose Weight?

It can be hard to help a child lose weight without ruining his self-esteem. There are ways that a parent can help a child to lose weight without it seeming obvious to the child that it is the intended outcome. Maintaining a healthy weight is important to our health, but so is a healthy personal image.

Bagged Lunches

Most schools don't have a healthy lunch program. So rather than let your child order lunch at school, pack a healthy lunch that is in line with the food pyramid. Consider items such as a turkey and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomato, a piece of fruit, a granola bar, and a bottle of water. That should give your child enough fuel and energy to get him through the rest of the day. Plus, it is healthy and will help get your child's metabolism moving.

Sports

Children need exercise in order to lose weight. Don't force your child into a sport that she may truly dislike, but offer her a variety of choices. Perhaps she is better at individual activities such as running, gymnastics, or dance. Conversely, maybe she needs the support of a team. Most towns have a recreation department or center that offers team sports for children so your child can join others at roughly the same skill and age level. Participating in these sports is the best way to get your child needed exercise to lose weight.

Education

Education is important to children and education of healthy eating and exercise is no different. If your child understands that healthy foods provide fuel for his body in order to make it through the day, learn, and have fun then he may be willing to eat that healthy food he previously refused to eat. Your child also needs to understand the benefits of exercise on the body and the mind. If you feel you cannot teach these things to your child, ask the doctor to explain it to her or make an appointment with a nutritionist. Education is the best way to help a child lose weight.