If Your Child Needs Treatment for Weight Issues For overweight
children, the most successful treatment combines healthy
lifestyle changes—improved diet and exercise—with a focus on
changing such behaviors as eating while watching TV. Overweight
children also need psychological support to deal with the lack
of self-esteem and isolation they often face. What about drugs
or surgery? Most doctors consider them last resorts for severely
overweight adolescents with other serious risk factors. If
you're worried about your child's weight, talk with your doctor.
Depending on your child's weight and age, the goal might be
simply to stabilize your child's weight so that, as he or she
gets taller, your child "grows into" a more appropriate weight.
Or, the goal might be to gradually lose and keep off excess
pounds. What if your doctor suggests a treatment program? Look
for a program that involves both you and your child. This is
especially important with younger children, because you're the
one who's buying and preparing