Health Tip: Obesity and Your Child

Finding the right weight-loss program is essential

Related Encyclopedia • Abdominoplasty • Acidophilus • Ankle Sprains • Antioxidants More... Related Animations • ADHD More... Related Healthscout Videos eFeed: Teaching Toddlers How to Eat Home Remedies: All Natural Antibiotics Meals and Multitasking: Bad Combo Eating Away Arthritis Symptoms More... Related Drug Information • Klor-Con • Klor-Con ER More... Related News Articles • Best Friend Benefits Child's Mind, Body, Study Finds • Kindergartners Who Can Pay Attention May Reap Benefits Later • Obesity Appears Linked to Pain • Many Gay Men Would Support 'Home HIV Test': Study More...

(HealthDay News) -- If your child is at an unhealthy, or even dangerous weight, and weight-loss efforts at home aren't successful, you may want to try a professional weight-loss program.

Text Continues Below

---

The Cleveland Clinic offers the following recommendations when choosing a child's weight-loss program:

• The program should employ an array of health professionals, including physicians, dietitians, psychiatrists and exercise physiologists.
• Your child's overall health should be evaluated before any weight-loss program begins.
• The program should include the entire family, rather than focusing only on the child.
• Look for a program that is geared specifically for your child's age group and has different programs based on age.
• Programs should focus on behavioral changes, teaching how to choose healthy foods in variety and portion size, and promoting physical activity.

-- Diana Kohnle