As a parent, you many not be able to tell if your child is overweight. However, it is important to monitor their growth and development.
Do not depend on the well-meaning advice of relatives, friends or child care providers. Some may believe that heavy children are healthy. A slender or normal weight child might be viewed as scrawny or sickly. But this is not true. An attitude that a husky child is a healthy child can set up an individual for a life-time weight problem.
The best person to tell you if your child is overweight is your health care provider. If you suspect a weight problem, make an appointment with a doctor, nurse or registered dietitian so that they can check your child's height and weight.
If the medical provider determines you child is overweight, it is important to remain positive and not punish your child. Don't put children on a “diet,” but take steps together as a family to change. Provide a variety of healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals, corn tortillas and low-fat milk. Cut back on juice, soda, sweets and fried foods.
Encourage your children to listen to their bodies. They should eat only when they are hungry and stop when they are full. Instead of snacking all day, they should be offered three meals and two small snacks. And make sure children play actively for at least one hour every day.