HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS

A statistic often quoted in dieting literature is that 95 percent of people who lose weight gain it all back. According to the American Obesity Association, this statistic is no longer true and reflects a small study completed in 1959. Losing weight is not easy, but a person who commits to a plan of physical activity and moderate dieting will see results. Most importantly, it is necessary to replace poor dietary habits with good eating habits and exercise in order for the weight to stay off permanently.

Dieting for children who are still growing should be viewed with extreme caution. Children use their calories to develop, unlike adults, and too severe of a caloric restriction could impair this growth. According to the Mayo Clinic, if a child is overweight, weight loss is typically recommended if he or she is more than 7 years old. For overweight children younger than 7, weight maintenance is the goal. Younger overweight children who maintain their weight will actually be slimming down as they gain height, so their BMI will decrease. One general rule is true for any healthy weight loss: A slow and consistent weight loss is best, generally one pound per week.

A child’s weight loss also greatly depends on the habits and eating attitudes of the adults in the home. When buying food for meals at home and school lunches, parents should shop primarily in the outer aisles of the supermarket; this is where stores stock fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Sitting down to eat as a family has also been shown to encourage more healthy eating because people sitting at a table rather than in front of the television are generally more aware of their food portions. Parents who limit the number of times the family eats out, particularly for fast food, will improve their child’s nutrition. Parents who prepare their children’s food at home are better able to control the portion size and ingredients. It has been well documented that restaurants have been increasing portion sizes, which has contributed to the obesity epidemic.

Source: "Drugs The Straight Facts: Weight-Loss Drugs," Chelsea House, 2009