The basic approach to treatment of childhood obesity problems – reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity – is no different to that in adults but there are several additional principles which are required to create a framework for successful treatment.
1. The whole family must be involved
Wherever possible we include parents, brothers and sisters in the treatment programme as only with genuine commitment from the family will the child succeed in losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight. This is why “Fat Camps” don’t work as although the child may lose weight when away from home, on their return they are exposed to exactly the environment that created the problem in the first place.
2. Children must own the problem
Whilst teenagers are clearly not adults, they have to take responsibility for their obesity problems which is why we usually insist that the child should be at least 14 years old.
3. Parents must set an example
If a child grows up in a household where no one walks anywhere and where most meals are taken sitting in front of the TV, the chances are that they will develop the same habits. It is important to create an environment where walking to the shops or to school is the norm and where good nutrition is simply a normal part of daily routine.
The treatment options available to your child depend on their body mass index (BMI)
