Child Development Institute Parenting Today

More than 9 million young people between the ages of 6 and 19 are considered overweight or obese - comprising nearly 17 percent of the population, according to the National Institutes of Health. Obesity is a medical problem that can be treated with diet changes and increased activity in order to achieve an energy balance. Written in clear, straightforward language, "Living with Obesity" provides teens with the information they need to understand obesity and its treatments. This practical new guide discusses changing behaviors in order to achieve a healthy lifestyle, long-term approaches for achieving and maintaining weight, strategies for dealing with obesity in daily life, paying for care, and more. Loaded with helpful sidebars, a glossary, index, and appendixes, this resource is a must-have guide for teens struggling with their weight.

Today, one in five children are considered overweight, and this increase is seen in children and teenagers, in both genders, and in among all age and ethnic groups. In this Parent Education Module, we are going to help you to objectively determine whether your child is obese or overweight. If he or she has a problem, we’ll help you understand the risks associated with obesity, and how to help your child regain a healthy lifestyle. We’ll also talk about tips and techniques you can use, and help you put together a ‘Personal Weight Loss or Weight Control Plan’ for your child. We’ll talk about ways to incorporate family and friends into the plan so that your child has a solid support network. And, we’ll give you options for professional help if you decide you need more assistance. Topics covered are: IS MY CHILD OBESE OR AT RISK FOR OBESITY? WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF OBESITY? WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY CHILD? BEHAVIORAL CONSIDERATIONS TOP TEN TIPS FOR PARENTS OF OBESE AND OVERWEIGHT CHILDREN GETTING SUPPORT FROM FAMILY, FRIENDS AND THE COMMUNITY DO I NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP? CREATE A ‘‘PERSONAL WEIGHT LOSS OR WEIGHT CONTROL PLAN’’ FOR YOUR CHILD Whether your child is overweight, obese or you feel they are at risk of becoming so, there are a number of things you can do to help them establish a healthy lifestyle and develop strong bodies and minds.

With respect to both physical activity and nutrition, lifestyles of most young Americans have changed dramatically over time. Decades ago, young people often walked miles to attend school, visit friends, or even see a doctor. There was no television to watch, and no Internet to provide hours of visiting without leaving the house. Rather than choosing from an array of pre-packaged and highly processed foods, families tended to cook at home and spent time enjoying meals together. One of the unfortunate results of such lifestyle changes is a sharp rise in obesity, now being identified in a younger and younger population. The problem has reached epidemic proportions. With the increase in childhood and adolescent obesity comes a host of other illnesses and conditions: diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cancer, along with low self-esteem, depression and anxiety. Written for both youth and parents, this work covers the causes and effects of the rise in childhood obesity while presenting straightforward guidelines and recommendations for getting assessed and treated. Information is provided on healthy nutrition and physical activity for young people, tools for self-monitoring and medical conditions associated with weight gain. Numerous helpful resources are listed. Throughout the text, teens themselves describe their weight-related struggles and successes.