Instead, offer them healthy snacks such as vegetable sticks and fruit. Children should drink water or diet drinks rather than juice or cola drinks. Encourage children to pick a sport they enjoy, such as rollerblading, bicycling or walking. Restrict the time your child spends playing computer games or watching TV, as these activities are correlated with weight gain. Your physician can help tailor a nutrition and exercise programme suited to your child's individual needs.
Behavioural modification begins by taking the focus away from weight.
Do not give rewards for weight loss, but rather for new, healthy behaviour. In this way, you can gradually guide your child towards his or her optimum weight.