If there is a delicate subject, it is this one: the esteem of children is fragile, but the gaze of others can also be harsh. What to do when our child is overweight?
From the outset, no one wants their child to struggle with a weight problem. Unfortunately, wish and reality do not always go hand in hand and over the past twenty-five years, the number of obese children has tripled in Canada. It is therefore estimated that 26% of children aged 2 to 17 are obese or overweight. What if this is the case for our child? Is it better to talk to him about it openly or, on the contrary, to act as if he has a normal weight? And, above all: should he be put on a diet?
The dogma of ignorance
What you don't know doesn't hurt, goes the saying, but is it really true? Conducted between 2015 and 2012, an American study came to the following conclusions: 76% of overweight children aged 8 to 15, and 42% of obese young people do not consider themselves to be overweight, a trend that is highly marked among children whose parents are themselves obese. Moreover, these parents have enormous difficulty, or take a long time before realizing that theirchild is overweight. Why? According to the authors of this study, the problem comes from the fact that, more and more, obesity is considered as something “normal”. However, obesity carries real he alth risks, and the study's lead author laments the fact that a toddler cannot change harmful behavior on their own, especially if they are not not aware of said problem.
Shame
Thus, a child of 4 or 5 years old is not able to make the necessary changes to his lifestyle on his own. Even if he is aware that he has a problem, he will not be able to change it, since at this age he has no control over his diet or his lifestyle. This awareness therefore risks undermining his self-esteem, since he will be ashamed: a feeling that is likely to pursue him, and this, throughout his growth.
If the child who has an overweight problem is more likely to suffer from obesity as an adult, which leads to a new range of ailments (diabetes, sleep apnea or other respiratory disorders, several cardiovascular diseases or certain cancers), he also risks being labeled negatively by those around him. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see overweight young people being rejected by their peers. They then experience social isolation which can have very consequences.
Change your lifestyle
No one wants their child to feel different, less beautiful, less good: but to tell theira child that he is “fat” risks especially undermining his self-esteem and, therefore, this will not have the expected effects. Because, of course, if we don't want to isolate him, we still want him to be in good he alth, both physically and mentally. In addition, experts all agree that the best thing to do, first, is to review the lifestyle of the whole family. After all, it is our duty to set a good example for the little ones!
What about diets?
In short, it is normal to want to change the situation and to do everything possible to get the situation back to normal. However, we must not forget that the ideal weight is not the same for everyone, and that weight gain just before a growth spurt (during adolescence, for example) is not abnormal.
What if the situation persists? Experts are of the opinion that weight loss diets are not a child-friendly solution. Tom Warshawski, pediatrician and president of the Foundation for Obese Children, explains: “diets are rarely effective for adults and they are totally inappropriate for kids. During their growth, the latter need to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables and foods rich in vitamins and minerals and containing a sufficient amount of protein, iron, carbohydrates and certain fats. In addition, banning certain foods often has the effect of increasing the desire to eat them. In addition,some studies have shown that children on a diet tend to gain weight!
Exercise
Being overweight isn't just about food and calories. This is because obesity is the result of many factors, including genetics, environment, and socioeconomic status.
Let's remember that the act of eating is one of pleasure and of group, so the first thing a parent can do is to offer the whole family he althy foods and tasty, always favoring fruits and vegetables. In addition, it is important to be active, and this good habit is one that starts young. Consult a he alth specialist if you feel you need help guiding your child towards better lifestyle habits.
Some good habits to adopt
- Meal time should be a pleasant time. It is therefore necessary to be and avoid stressing the child.
- He's no longer hungry? No need to finish your plate at all costs! He must learn to listen to the signals of satiety sent to him by his body!
- We increase the portions of fruits and vegetables, we reduce fried foods, sugary drinks and potato chips: for the whole family.
- We do at least half an hour of physical exercise a day with him, to encourage him.
- We must gradually limit the time spent in front of the computer and television.
- Learning to cook is great for kids!This way, they will have more pleasure in eating and will appreciate more what is he althy.
- Is your child getting enough sleep? There is a strong relationship between lack of sleep and excess weight in children, adolescents and adults. Indeed, we eat more when we are tired, it is proven.
- And, of course, don't forget to listen to your child!
