According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 percent of children aged 6 to 11 are overweight in addition to 17 percent of children between the ages of 12 to 19. These studies indicate that obese children are more likely to be obese adults and are at greater risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Recent reports from St. Louis Children’s Hospital and the Office of Minority Health state African American children are also 1.3 times more likely to be overweight than non-Hispanic whites.
As the parent of a child who struggles with weight and the social stigmas attached, it can be disconcerting when trying to determine how best to help your child maneuver through weight issues while maintaining a sense of self and a feeling of normalcy. Feelings of inadequacy can often leave parents feeling defeated and questioning their role in their child’s effort to maintain healthy eating habits. I recently learned that the best approach to helping any child with weight issues is to be proactive rather than reactive. As a parent I admit that initially I assumed that my child had experienced weight issues as a result of an over indulgence in food and my inattentiveness towards poor food choices. After becoming concerned at the alarming rate my child was gaining weight, I decided to have a discussion with my child to determine if there was a reason behind the mindless munching. It was at this time that my child shared several physical concerns that prompted me to contact my child’s pediatrician. After several tests and referrals to specialists, I later learned that my child had health concerns that attributed to her overeating, and weight gain. Needless to say, if I had never taken the time to ask my child how they felt rather than give them a lecture about overeating, I might have missed the opportunity to get prompt medical attention and help from a dietary specialist.
Overweight children are faced with many stigmas each day. As a parent, I learned that they do not need a lecture about something they are already aware of and live with each day. Stigmas such as the idea that obese individuals are lazy, lack self-discipline, will power, intelligence and are unattractive, attribute to social isolation, negative feelings of self-worth, and self-destructive behavior. Whether you’re a parent or someone close to an individual dealing with these issues, the following links may help in equipping those children or individuals in need of support:
• My Overweight Child: Tips, strategies, and guidance for parents of overweight kids
• Kid's Health: An interactive website for parents and kids on healthy living
