One of the challenges faced by overweight children and teens is the reluctance of doctors and parents to admit the child is actually overweight. This misguided diplomacy that makes us reluctant to label a child as "fat" could delay intervention and treatment until the child develops long-term issues, from diabetes and metabolic syndrome to joint and heart problems.
The younger a child is when he or she becomes overweight, the harder it is to maintain a healthy weight as an adult. Overweight children are significantly more likely to be overweight or even obese adults. The health consequences are also at issue: how many years of raised LDL, cholesterol, and blood sugar can the human body tolerate before medical problems interfere with the quality of life?
Although nagging and embarrassing an overweight child is unlikely to get results, addressing the health issues result from excess weight and a lack of physical fitness can be a more effective approach. Ask your child's pediatrician to test cholesterol, LDL, and blood sugar levels. Ask them to be thorough and unbiased in their assessment of your child's health.
As a parent you may feel as if you must spare your child's feelings; you may even rationalize that the weight is only" baby fat" and that your child will "grow out of it." However, if you look objectively at your child's eating habits and activity, you should be able to determine if they are at risk for a life-long battle with weight.
Some parents decide that summer weight loss camp will be a good way to jump start their child's healthier eating and more active lifestyle. The latest generation of weight loss camps is far different from the fat camps of the past. The newer camps focus on nutritionally sound, scientifically based weight loss plans and help kids find activities they will enjoy even after they return home.
If you are concerned that they will be teased for going to "fat camp," remember that it is likely that they already experience harassment by their peers. Overweight teens are teased more often than normal-weight teens. They often earn insulting nicknames and can become the target of bullies. Many studies have shown that being overweight exacts an emotional and psychological toll on young people, particularly when they reach puberty and become more focused on what others think of their appearance.
At a summer weight loss camp these kids are free from teasing and humiliation as they work with like-minded peers on the same goals, face the same challenges, and take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.