That's why recommendations that focus on small but permanent changes in eating may work better than a series of short-term changes that can't be sustained. Reducing dietary fat is the easiest change. Highly restrictive diets that forbid favorite foods are likely to fail. They should be limited to rare patients with severe complications who must lose weight quickly. Becoming more active is widely recommended as a way to lose weight.
Increased activity is common in all studies of successful weight reduction.
Create an environment that encourages and supports physical activity. Parents' involvement in modifying obese children's behavior is important in losing weight. Parents who model healthful eating and activity habits can have a significant positive influence on the health of their children. For many children this may mean limited or no weight gain while linear growth proceeds normally. Recommendations for maintaining weight should include regular physical activity and careful attention to diet to avoid excessive caloric intake.