Children who are overweight are more likely to become adults who are overweight. These children may develop type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems. Weight problems can also lead to stress, sadness, and low self-esteem in children. Because children grow at different rates at different times, it is not always easy to tell if a child is overweight. For example, it is normal for boys to have a growth spurt in weight and catch up in height later. Ask your health care provider to measure your children to tell you if they are in a healthy range for their age and gender. If your provider tells you that your child is overweight, you can help.
How can I help my overweight child?
Do not put your child on a diet to lose weight unless your health care provider tells you to.
Avoid putting severe limits on what your child eats. Doing so may interfere with her or his growth.
Accept and love your child at any weight. Doing so will boost self-esteem.
Involve the whole family in healthy eating and physical activity habits.
Help your child find ways other than food to handle setbacks or mark successes.
Talk with your health care provider if you are concerned about your child's eating habits or weight.
Remember, you play the biggest role in your children's lives. You can help your children learn healthy eating and physical activity habits to follow for the rest of their lives. To download and share this and other WIN materials, visit https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management.
