Although they may initially have some trouble keeping up with their peers, overweight and obese children can participate in almost all physical activities. However, contact sports such as tackle football are not recommended for overweight children in early puberty because their growth plates are not fully developed. These kids can more easily injure their hips, she says. Gahagan says parents should be sure to integrate small lifestyle changes that can make a big difference in their child. For example, parents and children can take the stairs instead of the elevator, and park far from the entrance at a shopping center instead of hunting for the closest spot.
Families also can go walking or turn on music and dance instead of watching television.
In addition to encouraging physical activity, parents should change the types of food available to their child. Leave a bowl of fruit on the table for snacks, she adds. Another goal that we have for nutrition is not to eat more than 30 percent of our calories as fat. If you become used to eating lower fat foods as a child, you will continue to like them throughout your life. Gahagan cautions that children under age 2 and those who are underweight need significant amounts of fat in their diets.