 [ Symptoms ] is it okay for overweight kids to weight train [ Disease ] yes if their doctor approves in obese kids it is actually a good activity  says teri m mccambridge md a pediatric sports medicine specialist in towson md who chairs the american academy of pediatrics council on sports medicine and fitness it can improve their cholesterol levels build strength and perhaps help them lose weight and for teens and pre teens who are not into sports weight training may evolve into a lifelong exercise mccambridge says of course the same rules about supervision and safety apply regardless of the child is size