Children that live over their healthy weight are 70% more likely to become overweight adults later in life and often suffer from self-esteem and self-worth issues.  Today, the numbers have grown a staggering amount from where they were in 1999 when over 13% of the children in the US were overweight.  High cholosterol and blood pressure are more common in young adults than ever before, leading to increased risk of heart disease.  Further, Type II Diabetes is now being found in overweight children – a disease that was once thought to only affect adults.

The numbers are not pretty and as concerned adults, it is time that we step in to do something about it.  We operate our weight loss camps as an alternative solution, but parents need to make changes at home if they want long-term results.  The obvious culprits for weight gain are unhealthy diets and lack of excercise.  There is a genetic influence, but more often than not an overweight child gets that way due to eating improperly and not getting enough exercise.

What, exactly, does it mean to be “overweight?”  I am not a doctor and will not pretent to be one here, but if you are concerned about your child’s weight you need to see a doctor.  They will be able to measure your kid’s body mass index (BMI) and determine if your child is on an unhealthy path.

Since many overweight children suffer from self esteem or other emotional problems, it is incredibly important that you provide love, care, and support for your child, unconditionally.  Do not make them feel ostracized because of their weight.  Instead, try to incorporate gradual changes in to their diet.  For best results, incorporate these changes in to the entire family’s diet as your child will feel like less of an outsider.

Most doctors recommend that children be active for at least 60 minutes of each day.  As a parent, you can help your child by planning physical activities for your entire family or a group of your child’s friends.  Make sure that you have a safe environment where the children will feel comfortable participating in the activities, regardless of their skill or physical fitness level.

Start simple at home.  If you try to get your child to make too many changes at once, you will not be successful.  If you feel like your household environment is not the best place to begin making some of these changes, you may want to consider sending your child to a summer weight loss camp.  Often, removing a child from their normal surroundings is the best thing for them.