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Here’s a question from a parent who recently visited the Pediatrician and the Pediatrician is concerned about their child’s weight. What are some tips to help that parent in dealing with their youngster’s situation? Well, childhood obesity is an increasing problem and something that I discuss in my office several times a day. It’s from a few factors. Number one is that the kids are less active. They’re sitting in front of computers and watching television a whole lot more than they are outside playing. And then of course, Number two. We have had an inflation of portion size. Did you know that the proper portion size for your child is actually the size of the palm of their hand and not your hand? So we tend to over feed children and expect them to eat more food than we really need to. It’s kind of easy to address that in your home by simply serving smaller portions to your child but also think about using smaller plates because that will help make that reduced portion size not seem so drastic. In terms of what you can do as a family, it’s important first of all, not to single out your child and improve the calorie and nutritional content of the food you serve the family, because you don’t want to single the child out and make them have special meals. Typically if there is one child that has a weight problem in the family, it usuall expands to someone else and it could be even a parent. The other thing is to get exercise as a family. Whether that is a walk after dinner or even something like swimming at a community pool. By far, the best thing about being a child with a weight problem is that children can grow into their weight, many times, as opposed to us adults who don’t’ have a choice but to lose weight. So it’s important to ask your pediatrician if growing into the weight is an option for your child as opposed to going on a diet. Above all support your child and ask some probing questions that can ascertain whether the child’s weight is presenting a problem in school and if you do discover that, make sure that you do get some assistance for your child in the school situation. So, hopefully that helps you with a difficult problem of childhood obesity.

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Tips for Dealing with a Child's Weight

Question: Our pediatrician is concerned about my child's weight. Do you have tips for dealing with weight issues?

Answer from: Dr. Catherine Palmier, M.D., pediatrics expert

As a parent of a child with weight issues, you can help by improving the nutritional content of the food you serve the whole family. It's also important for everyone to exercise.

kids, Ask the Expert, diet, food & nutrition, Healthy Kids

The content of these videos is for information only and is not intended to be medical advice. Refer to your health plan benefit guide for coverage details, and consult with your doctor to determine what is best for you.

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Tips for Dealing with a Child's Weight

Question: Our pediatrician is concerned about my child's weight. Do you have tips for dealing with weight issues?

Answer from: Dr. Catherine Palmier, M.D., pediatrics expert

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