How to Lose Weight for Kids – 13 Easy Ways
Medically Reviewed By
Vandana Sharma (Paediatric Nutritionist)
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Weight problems in kids is a growing cause of concern worldwide. It has led to a rise in childhood diabetes, cholesterol, osteoporosis, fatty liver, asthma, heart ailments etc. These diseases that usually seen during adulthood are now appearing during childhood. Obese kids are also more prone to bullying, body-image anxiety, insecurities and depression.
Weight loss in kids should be done with care and caution. Parents must create a safe and sensitive weight loss plan in consultation with their paediatrician and dietitian or nutritionist. This is because a random weight loss plan can hamper the kid’s nutrition, growth and stress levels. Moreover, what works for adults does not work for kids because their body is still developing.
How to Identify Weight Problem in Kids
Understanding whether your child has weight problems is the first step to a proper plan. This is important because kids grow at different pace. It is best to consult your paediatrician to check the child’s Body Mass Index (BMI), which measures their weight against height, gender and age. Here is a quick guide about what percentile of BMI can indicate that your child has weight problems:
- BMI between 5th and 84th percentile: Healthy
- BMI between 85th and 94th percentile: Overweight
- BMI at the 95th percentile or more: Obese
Weight Loss Tips for Kids
Your paediatrician can give your kids advice on how to lose weight as a child. Together, you can draw up a personalised plan that is suitable for your child. If you are wondering how to help your child lose weight, here are some simple and easy ways to go about it.
1. Calorie Count
You should not eliminate calories from the kid’s diet at random because they give energy and have other essential health benefits. You need to know exactly how much calorie your kid needs for proper growth. Anything more than that will hinder weight loss. The amount of calorie that a child needs varies according to his age, gender, BMI, activity, etc. Don’t stress the child by daily weight checks at home because it deviates on a daily basis are natural.
2. Low-Glycemic Diet
Glycemic Index (GI)- The ability of carbohydrates to raise blood glucose is referred to as GI. Studies suggest that low-glycemic food keeps one full for longer because it takes time to digest or gets digested at a low pace and blood sugar also stays stable. They also have more fibre and are less processed or refined.
You don’t need to totally eliminate carbs from your kid’s diet. All you need to do is select low or medium-glycemic carbs like broccoli, carrots, apples, berries, beans, nuts, peanut butter, yoghurt with honey and fruits, milk, cheese, pineapple, sweet potatoes, banana, dried fruit, pasta, high-fibre cereal, brown rice, and ice cream. Avoid high-glycemic carbs like corn, potatoes, white rice, French fries, chips, juice, jam, sweet and frozen yoghurt, bread, pancakes, waffles, pizza, popcorn, instant oats, and refined forms such as maida.
3. More Fruits, Veggies
Generally, you can add more vegetables and fruits in many colours to your kid’s diet. Serve whole fruits rather than fruit juices. This is because juices have less fibre compared to whole fruit as it loses its fibre content and addition of sugar if done, adds to more calories, while whole fruits are more filing and fibre-rich that is good for digestion. However, not all fruits and veggies are good for weight loss. Some may be high glycemic, that we have discussed in the point above.
4. More Water
Don’t allow the child to drink juice, energy drink and cold – soft drinks, soda etc. when they are thirsty because they add up to their weight gain. The best thirst-quencher is water.
5. Good Sleep
Ideally, kids need 9 to 11 hours of sleep and teenagers need8 to 10 hours of sleep. Early and good sleep is essential for proper growth and metabolism that helps maintain their body weight.
6. Minimise Sugar, Salt
Minimise high sugar content food like candies, sweetened breakfast cereals, flavoured drinks and yoghurt, sweetened beverages, fruit juice, soda drinks, etc. Settle for low-sugar substitutes like home-made fruit puree, fruit ice pops, cookies, pizzas, sandwiches made of whole-wheat, fruit salads, etc. Even salt needs to be minimised. The sodium content of salt makes the body retain water and bloat up. Avoid table salt and canned and frozen food that are high on sodium.
7. More Protein
Experts recommend that protein stimulates a growth hormone that helps the body break down excess fat into energy. It is also more filling. Therefore, serve eggs, plant protein – such as pulses (all types of dals like red gram, black gram, etc.) and legumes (channa, rajma, horse gram, etc.), fish, and lean meat like chicken. Go for low-fat yoghurt, butter, cheese, non processed cheese, margarine, etc. for milk protein.
8. Meal Plans
Avoid long gaps between meals because an empty stomach for long hours leads to gorging during meals. Studies recommend that three small meals and two small snacks daily is ideal.
9. Daily Exercises/Sports
Exercise or some sports activity for at least 60 minutes daily is recommended. Start with 15-20 minutes daily and increase the duration gradually. Make it entertaining by including your child’s peers or organising dance and music sessions, running with a pet dog, a family swimming session, etc. This will encourage the child to participate enthusiastically. Some of the good exercises for kids to lose weight are:
10. Understand Fat Facts
All fats aren’t harmful. Healthy fats are required by the body to create cell membranes. Eliminating fat at random can impact your kid’s immune system, nervous system, and overall health. They need to consume fats like unsaturated oils (olive, canola, soybean, etc.), salmon, anchovy, almonds, seeds of sesame, pumpkin, and flax, etc. Fats also slow down digestion and keep the stomach full for longer hours.
11. Make it a family affair
When it comes to getting active, there’s nothing like a little friendly competition to get everyone moving. Whether it’s a game of tag in the backyard, a family hike, or a bike ride through the neighbourhood, make exercise a part of your family’s routine. Plus, it’s a great way to bond and create memories together.
12. Get creative in the kitchen
Cooking meals at home can be a fun way to bond with your child while also teaching them about healthy eating. Try out new recipes together, experiment with different ingredients, and get creative with your cooking. Who knows, you might just discover a new family favorite!
13. Lead by Example
As a parent, you’re your child’s biggest role model. If you want your child to develop healthy habits, it’s important to lead by example. Make healthy eating and exercise a priority in your own life, and involve your child in your healthy habits. When your child sees you making healthy choices, they’re more likely to follow suit.
What Are Some Common Weight Loss Mistakes?
Childrens’ weight loss can be a concerning topic but it’s also a delicate situation that is tricky, so do be sensitive, mindful and patient while talking and communicating with your kids. They are still developing thoughts and emotions towards their body and mindless pushing towards weight loss can negatively impact that. So while kids weight loss is concerning, your child’s emotions are equally important. Here are some common mistakes to avoid while going about this.
1. One size doesn’t fit all
Not every weight loss plan works for everyone, especially children. It’s important to consult a professional for tailored advice.
2. Blaming and shaming
Calling your kid “chubby” or “lazy” can be hurtful and demotivating. Encouragement and positive reinforcement work better in the long run. Instead of blaming or shaming a child for their weight, it’s important to provide support, encouragement, and guidance. Focus on positive reinforcement and celebrate their progress, no matter how small it may be. Above all, avoid any negative or critical language and make sure your child feels loved and supported. By using positive, nurturing strategies, you can help your child achieve a healthy weight and a positive body image.
3. Overeating healthy foods
Munching on unhealthy snacks is a common trap for kids (and adults!) looking to shed pounds. Opt for healthier alternatives like fruits and veggies. While it’s important to eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, too much of a good thing can still lead to weight gain. Help your child understand portion sizes and encourage them to listen to their body when they feel full.
4. Setting unrealistic goals
Losing weight takes time, and it’s important for your child to set realistic goals that they can achieve. Help your child set small goals that are achievable, and celebrate their progress along the way. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
Weight loss is a gradual process, and crash diets or extreme workout routines can do more harm than good. Patience and consistency are key.
5. Doing it all alone
Trying to lose weight all alone can be challenging and overwhelming for anyone, especially children. Weight loss is easier when you have support and accountability. Involve your family and friends in healthy lifestyle choices and celebrate small victories together. When a child has a support system, they are more likely to stick to their healthy habits and make progress towards their weight loss goals.
Dos and Don’ts
There are a few things that you should keep in mind during your kid’s weight loss program:
Dos
- Inculcate habits like daily exercises, not binging on unhealthy foods and not eating meals while watching TV to avoid overeating, etc.
- Be supportive. Studies suggest that less sugar increases stress hormones and makes the kid cranky. Reward the child for weight loss achievements with a movie show, a toy, etc. However, do not reward them with their favourite food.
- Add errands to their daily schedule, encourage them to take the stairs rather than the lift, walk to a nearby kid’s activity zone rather than take the car, etc. Make activities fun-filled with boot camps, nature walks, etc.
- Reduce the food portions; do not eliminate meals. A researcher at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge suggests that it’s not what you eat, but the quantity is what matters when trying to lose weight.
- Substitute unhealthy foods with healthy home-made snacks like sprouts, salads, baked (not fried) papad, ragi dosa, grilled chicken strips, makhanas, etc. Sliced and diced carrots, cucumber, grapes, strawberries, watermelon etc. can be healthier finger food.
Don’ts
- Don’t make unrealistic plans. So, if your child likes eating something that is against the weight loss plan, don’t eliminate it totally. That may stress the child and add to his weight. Do it gradually. Also set an attainable weight loss goal. A good, recommended rate is one pound (Approx 0.453592 kg) of weight loss per week.
- Do not allow kids to watch TV, play video games and couch around for hours. Ideally, restrict it to one to two hours a day.
- Don’t make a kids-only diet; work as a team. Include family and friends. You can stick to foods that are beneficial to you. Set an example for the child to keep him motivated. You could also throw a birthday party with healthy snacks and set the trend.
- Don’t give up! Tell the child things won’t change overnight.
- Don’t rush! Do not go for a fast-track weight loss program. It can do more harm than good.
What Are the Dangers of Fast Weight Loss for Kids?
To begin with, approach the subject of weight loss with care and sensitivity. It should be an open dialogue that addresses weight-related concerns and insecurities of the child. It is seen that many kids, especially girls, try to experiment with weight loss on their own. This could be unscientific and harmful. Watch out for that and educate them.
Please note that your kid may have some underlying health condition causing weight gain like Cushing’s syndrome, hypothyroidism, medication side effects, etc. Please consult your paediatrician before you begin their weight loss journey.
Also Read: Growth Spurts in Children
