How can I help my child want to lose weight?

Question

my son is nine and weighs almost 180, and will not even try to slow down on his food intake. I'll make a healthy diner and he'll only eat half and an hour later he'll be eating junk food!

Answer 1

You cannot expect a nine year old to discipline his diet when adults can barely do it. The entire family will have to start eating healthier. That means stop buying junk food. You are the grocery shopper. If there is no potato chips, soda or candy in the house, then he won't be able to eat it. Instead, buy vegetables and make or buy low-cal, low-fat veggie dips. Make healthier snacks. Instead of potato chips, buy corn tortilla chips and a low sodium salsa or make your own. There are all sorts of recipes for healthy foods. Also, maybe the family can go for a walk together every evening. Don't punish your son for being overweight. His are learned habits and the family will have to work together. Perhaps also consult his pediatrician for ideas, but remember, he is only nine. You are his parent, his mentor, the person he looks to for health and safety. If you tease him by eating junk food in front of him and then tell him he can't have any, what kind of support is that?

Answer 2

Your son is way too heavy for his age. I also have a son who loves to eat and can relate (though mine's an adult now) First, prepare yourself for a long fight because he will not like the changes to healthy options and normal portions and probably nag you forever and complain to see if you'll give in.

You absolutely have to stop buying junk. Don't take him shopping with you because he'll put the guilt trip on you and all sorts of tricks. Do not buy soda. I told my son that I disapprove of soda because it's bad for his teeth (which is true, by the way) and that was the end of that argument. Get everyone else in your family on board. Make sure nobody else sneaks junk to him. Take him out exercising without telling him that it's exercise, i.e. get him involved in school sports of some sort or martial arts after school or whatever he likes to do, maybe work with a trainer at a gym ... and watch what he eats at school, so far as possible. It's really difficult with candy machines at school. I used to tell my son when he was a bit older that girls don't like chubby guys (I know.. cheap shot, but it worked). Good luck.

Answer 3

Get your child involved in physical activity. Make it a family affair and the whole family benefits from the exercise.

Take away the junk food. If it is not in the house, he can't eat it. Keep healthy snacks available that are easy for him to get to; carrot and celery sticks, etc. That way, if he snacks it is a healthy snack.

Don't harp on him about losing weight. He doesn't need you to let him know that being overweight is no fun, he probably already gets teased by other kids. Instead, just keep showing you love and support him.

It has to be a lifestyle change that teaches him to make healthier choices about what and how much he eats and about adding more exercise to his routine.

Answer 4

You have to control your child's eating habits. Remove all junk food, and those that are high in fat and/or sugar, from the house and provide better alternatives (fruits, veggies, water, etc.), make smart choices in the meals you prepare and give him small portions, possibly have 4-6 small meals per day, get your child into different activities (sports, hiking, etc.), unplug the TV, etc. Talk with him about why it's better to eat foods that are good for you. Counseling, for both of you, might also be needed, to find out why he's eating a lot. You could also talk to a dietitian for meals and food selection ideas.

Answer 5

Get the junk food out of the house. Save his healthy dinner and let him finish that later, if he is still hungry. Have healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables instead of junk food. Make sure he gets outside and plays and stays active.

Answer 6

I have heard of many of these cases before. There are many ways to do it, you just have to be strict about it, and keep him on a tight schedule. FIRST WAY: Eat a small breakfast, a big lunch, and no dinner. SECOND WAY: Dont buy any more junk food, and if you do for yourself, hide it somewhere. For his snacks you could buy fruits and vegetables. Try to keep him away from the carbs and sugars.THIRD WAY: Depending on how bad the situation is, you could put locks on the cabinets, or make him ask you before e puts anything into him mouth. FOURTH WAY: You could send him to a summer camp. They are lots of fun and he could get lots of excersice there. FITH WAY: You could get him a puppy where he would always need to take it for a walk, "while the puppy gets excersice, so does he." I hope that atleast one of these ways may help you. Best of luck.

Answer 7

Don't buy junk food, make him healthy diners, and force him to be active. Figure out a way to get him into playing sports,or riding bikes and such. Good luck :)

Answer 8

STOP BUYING JUNK FOOD!!!! I know, I know, that means no one else in the family can have twinkies either, big friggin' whoop.

If you want your kid to lose weight, it starts with YOU, hello you are the parent. I highly doubt he's doing the grocery shopping. Plus, he's gonna need a support system....he's nine so I'm guessing that will be his whole family. Don't just single him out. Everyone is going to have to put in their part.

Answer 9

He is very over weight, and it might cause heart problems later if you dont act quickly now!!!!!!!!!.....so okay. 1st go for a check up with the doctor. 2nd Plan 3 healthy meals for your kid, no stupid junk food. Make him drink lots of Water 3rd Take 1-2 hours for you and your kid to walk, run, jump rope, etc each day!! 4th Be smart, be strict, and control your kid. 5th Talk to him and tell him about eating and exercising.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!

Answer 10

are you serious? get rid of the junk food! and take control of your life and your son's life. he is nine years old; there is NO reason why he should have access to junk food when he weighs 180 pounds. you are killing your child. get a grip, woman.