Friday, November 11, 2005

Encourage Healthy Weight in Your Children

The Baylor College of Medicine has published a brochure to help families deal with issues of overweight in its younger members.

It discusses the causes of overweight in children and offers solutions that involve the whole family.

It's short, easy to read, and full of great tips, including:

  • Plan parties and vacations around movement and play.
  • When taking part in activities, emphasize fun, not skill.
  • Don’t draw attention to healthy foods you’ve purchased.
  • In restaurants or cafeterias - Choose smaller sizes, share side orders, set aside half of a restaurant dinner for lunch the next day.
  • Don’t overly restrict sweets or treats—try “everyday” and “sometimes” foods.
And it's available free online:

English version (pdf):
Your Child's Weight
Help Your Child with Successful Weight Management


Spanish version (pdf):
El Peso de Su Hijo
Ayude a su hijo a manejar su peso con exito


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Photo compliments of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital's Young and Healthy magazine. It appears in the magazine's "Ask Dr. Manfroy" column. Dr. Manfroy's response to My overweight child seems to be losing interest in school and activities. Can you help me understand what’s going on? offers additional insight into the sensitive issue of overweight in children.