These children should not be expected to lose large amounts of weight. They should be encouraged to remain at a constant weight or increase weight slowly while their height increases, so that they grow to be an acceptable weight for their height. Developing a healthy family lifestyle is important in the weight management of children. A good supply of protein , calcium , iron and vitamins A and D is also necessary during this time. Calcium is needed for healthy tooth development and, together with vitamin D, helps make bones stronger.
Childhood is an important time for tooth and bone development.
Children should be taught to think about dental hygiene and ways of preventing dental caries . They should be encouraged to reduce the number of times a day that they have foods and drinks containing sugar and, if possible, to have them only at meal times. Brushing teeth regularly with a fluoride toothpaste should also be encouraged. Iron deficiency anaemia is associated with frequent infections, poor weight gain and delay in development. Iron rich foods, such as liver and red meat, are not generally popular with children, so other ways of providing this nutrient must be found, eg offering liver pat or minced meat hamburgers.