Supporting Your Child’s Health
As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your child’s health, especially if you’ve noticed changes in their weight. It’s essential to understand that weight fluctuation and changes in body composition are a normal part of development, especially during teenage years. However, if you’re concerned about your child’s health, it’s crucial to address the issue with your healthcare provider.
Assessing Your Child’s Health
Your healthcare provider will assess your child’s weight status as part of a holistic evaluation, considering their age, sex, and stage of growth. They will also check for any signs of health complications related to excess weight, such as sleep apnoea, bone or joint problems, liver disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol, or insulin resistance (pre-diabetes).
What to Expect
If your child’s weight is affecting their health, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also prescribe medications or suggest bariatric surgery for older teens with significant health complications.
Lifestyle Changes
As a parent, you play a significant role in supporting your child’s lifestyle changes. Here are some tips to get you started:
* Start healthy habits: Make healthy eating and enjoyable exercise part of your daily routine.
* Be a positive role model: Avoid making negative comments about your own or your child’s body.
* Encourage social media awareness: Talk to your child about the unhelpful weight loss and diet messages they may see on social media.
* Support your child’s weight loss journey: Be patient and supportive, and avoid making them feel guilty or ashamed about their weight.
Medications and Surgery
If your child’s weight is affecting their health, your healthcare provider may recommend medications or surgery. New generation medications, such as Wegovy, are now available for adolescents with severe obesity. Bariatric surgery may also be an option for older teens with significant health complications.
Watch for Signs of Disordered Eating
Children and adolescents with higher body weight may attempt to lose weight on their own, which can lead to disordered eating behaviors. Watch for signs such as hiding food, eating in secret, binge eating, vomiting after eating, or overexercising to burn off calories. If you notice any of these signs, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
How You Can Support Your Child
As a parent, you can play a significant role in supporting your child’s weight loss journey. Here are some tips:
* Start healthy habits: Make healthy eating and enjoyable exercise part of your daily routine.
* Be a positive role model: Avoid making negative comments about your own or your child’s body.
* Encourage social media awareness: Talk to your child about the unhelpful weight loss and diet messages they may see on social media.
* Support your child’s weight loss journey: Be patient and supportive, and avoid making them feel guilty or ashamed about their weight.
Conclusion
As a parent, it’s essential to understand that weight fluctuation and changes in body composition are a normal part of development, especially during teenage years. However, if you’re concerned about your child’s health, it’s crucial to address the issue with your healthcare provider. By working together, you can support your child’s lifestyle changes and help them achieve a healthier weight.
FAQs
Q: What are the signs of disordered eating?
A: Signs of disordered eating include hiding food, eating in secret, binge eating, vomiting after eating, or overexercising to burn off calories.
Q: How can I support my child’s weight loss journey?
A: You can support your child’s weight loss journey by starting healthy habits, being a positive role model, encouraging social media awareness, and being patient and supportive.
Q: What are the options for treating adolescent obesity?
A: Options for treating adolescent obesity include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.
Q: How can I help my child develop a positive body image?
A: You can help your child develop a positive body image by avoiding making negative comments about their body, encouraging them to focus on their strengths and abilities, and promoting self-acceptance and self-esteem.
