Obesity is a serious health problem that can affect children and adolescents. Childhood obesity is defined as when a child is above the normal weight for their age and height. But you can’t know just by looking at your child if they’re overweight; that’s why I’m here, to help you figure it out using growth charts and body composition analysis tests. The two key strategies to treat obesity are to improve the diet and exercise habits. Childhood obesity can lead to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as poor self-esteem and depression. Treat and prevent childhood obesity to protect your child’s health, both now and in the future.
Overweight
According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, children and adolescents who are overweight should be put on a weight-maintenance diet program to slow the progress of weight gain. This will allow the child to add centimeters in height but not kilograms, causing the body mass index to drop over time into a healthier range.
Obesity
According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, children aged 6-11 who are obese may be put on a diet for gradual weight loss (no more than 0.5 kg/month). Older children and adolescents who are obese or severely obese may be put on a diet that aims for up to 1 kg/week of weight loss.
Healthy Habits
The diet programs to help your child lose weight and maintain it are the same: Your child needs to follow a healthy diet, in terms of type and amount of food, and increase their physical activity. Even small changes can make a big difference in your child’s health. I’ll help you change your kid’s eating habits, advise you on how often they should eat junk food, how to serve the right portion size, what their exercise plan should be, how to adjust food intake based on activity level, and more.
I have hands-on experience creating diet programs for children and adolescents:
I provided diet consultations to the American Community School Beirut for 5 years. I also advised the parents and students of Le Grand Lycée Franco-Libanais in Lebanon on the importance of nutritional education for 4 years, including writing monthly newsletters and preparing the cafeteria and plat du jour menus.
I was the brand ambassador for Bledina during their nutrition awareness campaign; I gave tips and advice for kids from 1 to 3 years on MTV, Radio One and Nostalgie.
I took part in Tefal’s challenge for childhood obesity by providing an adolescent named Maroun Mechleb with a weight-loss diet program. Maroun lost 17 kg in 3 months.
If you’re worried that your child is putting on too much weight, reach out to me.
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