9 DON’Ts you must follow if you have an obese child

Name calling, commenting on food habits should definitely be a no-no when it comes to parenting an obese child.

By: Debjani Arora | | Updated: May 12, 2017 7:11 pm

Children are vulnerable in nature, more so if they are obese. The constant name calling, the pressure of the society and peers to compel them to fit into the bracket of acceptable body image complying with the standards of the society, erodes their confidence to a great extent. But what does the most damage is when parents, albeit unknowingly, join the bandwagon. Here are few tips to help your child go from fat to fit. Also Read - Newborn fat: Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore it

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Obesity is a growing concern and obese kids have a hard time trying to dodge the psychological trauma that excess weight ushers in their lives. Negative remarks about their weight, eating habits takes a toll on their well-being, so it is essential that at least parents try their best to balance the healthy lifestyle and talk right all time to avoid any added trauma. For obese kids, especially, young adults and pre-teens, who are still developing a sense of body image any negative remark by parents can have a deep rooted psychological impression. At times, this can stay even till adulthood and alter one s thought process or confidence,’ says Dr Bhavi Mody from Health and Wellness with Dr Bhavi Mody, Mumbai. Also Read - COVID-19 can lead to obesity in kids: Here are some effective weight loss yoga asanas for children

Here is a list of things she suggests parents should be careful of while talking to their kids who are struggling with weight issues.

1. Never compare them with other kids

Every child is different and has his or her shortcomings to deal with. Comparing your child with another kid who isn t dealing with the complications of obesity is like scarring your little one s body image forever. Negative body image will make it difficult for your child to grow with a positive outlook towards life. Here are 22 ways in which fat can actually kill you.

2. Never compare them with the siblings

This is the worst of all comparisons. Comparing with a kid who is not in blood relation is still avoidable, but with the sibling, it becomes too much of a pressure to deal with. If anything, it will only lead to sibling rivalry and not weight loss.

3. Never compare them to how you were at that age

Yes, you have passed on your genes to your kid, but that still doesn t mean that your kid will be a replica of you. Causes for obesity are different it could be a genetic factor, lifestyle issue or other medical problem that has made your child obese. It is downright wrong on your part to compare your child to yourself at that age. Remember, the psychological and physiological parameters in which you grew up is different.

4. Never comment on their eating habits

Sometimes food turns out to be a comfort factor, especially for obese kids, and not a nutritional source. Many kids resort to mindless eating or just gorge on junk for psychological satisfaction. The right way to correct these habits is lifestyle modification and teaching them mindful eating. Statements like, Watch what you eat, How much are you eating? You should not be eating this kind of food, will not help.

Diet management is crucial in treating childhood obesity. So the role of the parent is critical in planning the diet. Negative comments on food habits fail to make your child a conscious and healthy eater. Children are rebels by nature. The more you speak negatively, the more they will rebel. So stop and try to inculcate a positive approach towards her food habits. Did you know: Obese kids have a four-fold risk of suffering from type-2 diabetes.

5. Don t preach without practising it yourself

Kids learn from parents, more from their actions than words. So, if your child is struggling with obesity, the first thing you should do is to set the right example. Lifestyle modification is the key to managing obesity. So if you want your child to eat healthily do it yourself first. Remember, your child will never be able to fight obesity and manage weight all on her own; it has to be a collective effort of the family.

6. Don t impose your idea of exercise on your child

Pre-teens and young adults have a different idea of exercise that might not comply with the conventional form of exercise. Some might prefer a weekly adventure sport, some aerobics or rock climbing over running and swimming. As long as physical activity is a part of their routine, you need not worry. Enforcing a special kind of activity on your kid (like running 200 metres every morning) to lose weight might just make him abhor that sport.

7. Don t comment on their dressing style

This doesn t look good on you, You should not wear this, Dress appropriately, so you don t look fat, are some of the insensitive comments that parents unknowingly pass on to their kids who are struggling with weight issues. While the intention of a parent is to safeguard the child from being chided from others, the child is at the receiving end of derogatory comments from the parents already. Instead, let the child decide what he or she likes to wear and is comfortable. Commenting on dressing sense will only inculcate negative body image in the child s mind.

8. Don t mock them

Parents, beware of how you talk to with your obese child about weight and body image issues. Most of the times parents end up mocking them. It is necessary for a parent to be vigilant while making remarks or the child aware of his weight. Else, this can erode the faith that your child has to develop on people in general.

9. Never call names

Fat, Fatso, Motu, Moti, are names you should refrain from calling your child for obvious reasons. Name calling hardly helps an obese child to act positively to reduce weight; instead, it works on her psyche negatively imposing a stubbornness that subconsciously makes them accept their weight. Most of the time name calling makes them regress from physical activity or diet management plan as it demotivates them.

What you should do:

If your child is obese, guide her about how to manage calorie intake and burn excess fat and calories effectively, to bring a healthy change in lifestyle. Remember, obesity is a disease and the approach to treat and manage it needs to be a rigorous one. Diet changes and exercise can go a long way in helping to manage childhood obesity. Treating the condition now can save your child from a lot of lifestyle related disorders like, diabetes, hypertension, etc. in future.

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Published : May 11, 2017 2:19 pm | Updated:May 12, 2017 7:11 pm

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