Conquering Childhood Obesity For Dummies

by Tessmer, Kimberly A.; Beecher, Meghan; Hagen, Michelle

• ISBN13: 9780471791461
• ISBN10: 0471791466
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-07-12
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Features fun, kid-friendly activities to get them moving A positive and safe plan for lifetime weight management Concerned about your child's weight? This practical guide provides effective strategies for improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, and dealing with weight issues at home and in the classroom. You'll see how to change your family's lifestyle, help your child make healthier choices (and stick to them!), and foster a lifetime commitment to health and fitness. Discover how to * Introduce good eating habits * Keep your family fit and active * Prepare healthier meals * Maintain your child's weight loss * Find outside professional support * Fix over 30 tasty recipes

Author Biography

Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and freelance writer who currently owns and operates Nutrition Focus, a consulting company specializing in nutrition and weight management. She has authored numerous books and has written articles for several national magazines. Kim is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the ADA Practice Group “Nutrition Entrepreneurs.” Kim resides in Cleveland, OH, with her husband Greg and daughter Tori.

Meghan Beecher is a Project Coordinator in the Childhood Weight Control Clinical Research Study at the University of Buffalo, a two-year study funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health and run by Dr. Leonard Epstein, a leading expert in the field of childhood obesity. The study teaches obese children and their parents how to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which includes instruction about portion control, counting calories, and exercise. Prior to her involvement in the UB study, Meghan taught preschool and was also employed by the Montana Conservation Corps (a branch of Americorps), where she introduced adolescents to outdoor activities as a means of improving their lives. Because she is an avid runner, Meghan is well aware of the benefits of exercise and nutrition and was eager to find a career that would combine her love of children with her interest in health. When the UB study concludes, Meghan, a graduate of Xavier University with a BA in Social Work, plans on continuing in this field, educating children on the merits of a healthy lifestyle.

Shelly Hagen is the co-author of Baby’s First Year For Dummies and has also authored eight books in the bestselling Everything series, including The Everything Destination Weddings Book, The Everything Father of the Bride Book, and The Everything Body Language Book. As a freelance writer and editor, Ms. Hagen has also performed extensive ghostwriting and book editing work, and has written features for The Saratogian daily newspaper. She has a degree in Literature from SUNY Empire State and lives in Saratoga Springs, NY, with her husband, Mike, and three sons, Sam, Hal, and Nolan.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(1)
About This Book	1	(1)
What You're Not to Read	2	(1)
Foolish Assumptions	2	(1)
How This Book Is Organized	2	(2)
Part I: Understanding Childhood Obesity	2	(1)
Part II: The Weight Is Over: Making Changes, One at a Time	3	(1)
Part III: Managing, Troubleshooting, and Keeping the Weight Off	3	(1)
Part IV: The Part of Tens	3	(1)
Part V: Appendix	3	(1)
Icons Used in This Book	4	(1)
Where to Go from Here	4	(1)
Part I: Understanding Childhood Obesity	5	(70)
Looking for Answers	7	(6)
Gauging the Epidemic of Obese Children	8	(2)
The widespread nature of childhood obesity	8	(1)
Changes for the worse at home	9	(1)
Vending junk at school	9	(1)
What's to Be Done?	10	(1)
Easing into activity	10	(1)
Educating the kids	10	(1)
Facing Trouble Head-On	11	(2)
The Growing Problem of Childhood Obesity	13	(22)
Is It Baby Fat or Something More?	14	(2)
Making the call: Is she obese or merely plump?	14	(1)
Diagnosing obesity	14	(2)
Super-Sized Babies: Born Big and Staying that Way	16	(1)
Physical and Emotional Dangers of Obesity	17	(3)
Aches, pains, and disease	18	(1)
Aching for acceptance: Emotional issues	19	(1)
Avoiding the Fat Lifestyle	20	(10)
Kick the kids out!	20	(1)
Turn off the TV!	21	(3)
Game over: Shut down the video games	24	(1)
Cut out the fast food	24	(4)
Eat healthy at home when time is limited	28	(2)
Eat As I Say, Not As I Eat: How Parents Pass Along Bad Habits	30	(1)
Schools Paying the Price for Obesity	31	(4)
Facing the Physical Effects of Childhood Obesity: The Damage You Don't See	35	(20)
Type 2 Diabetes	36	(3)
A little background on diabetes	36	(1)
Metabolic syndrome	37	(1)
Recognizing type 2 symptoms and complications	38	(1)
Up, Up, and Away: High Blood Pressure	39	(1)
Strains and Pains	40	(2)
From decreased movement to fractures	40	(1)
Joint points	41	(1)
Back it up!	41	(1)
Heavy Breathing: Asthma and Sleep Apnea	42	(4)
Asthma and obesity	42	(2)
Sleep apnea	44	(2)
Fatty Liver	46	(1)
Skin Eruptions	47	(1)
Pigment problems	47	(1)
Rashes	47	(1)
Fungus among us	48	(1)
All Backed Up: Digestive Problems	48	(1)
Heart Disease	49	(1)
High cholesterol	49	(1)
Enlarged heart	50	(1)
Obesity and Development Problems	50	(2)
Early development in girls	51	(1)
Delayed development in boys	51	(1)
Puberty and depression	52	(1)
Making Changes: Time Is of the Essence!	52	(3)
Avoiding cumulative effects	52	(1)
Reversing adverse effects	53	(2)
Hurting from the Inside Out: The Emotional Effects of Childhood Obesity	55	(20)
Sticks and Stones? They're Nothing!	56	(10)
Helping your child deal with bullies	56	(7)
Facing fat prejudice	63	(3)
How Emotional Abuse Hurts Your Child	66	(5)
Isolation	66	(2)
Nose-diving grades	68	(1)
Mirror, mirror. . . I hate what I see: Low self-esteem	69	(2)
Sibling versus Sibling	71	(4)
All's fair in health at home	71	(1)
Encouraging peace, love, and understanding at home	72	(3)
Part II: The Weight Is Over: Making Changes, One at a Time	75	(110)
Assessing Your Child's Health	77	(12)
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Child	78	(2)
Recognizing the signs of obesity	78	(1)
Talking to your child's doctor	79	(1)
Weighing In: Diagnosing Obesity	80	(9)
Differentiating between baby fat and a true weight issue	80	(1)
Understanding family history and other factors	80	(1)
Evaluating height and weight	81	(1)
Understanding body mass index (BMI) and children	81	(4)
Going beyond BMI to diagnose obesity	85	(1)
Discussing the family's lifestyle	86	(1)
Taking additional tests	87	(2)
Overhauling the Family's Lifestyle	89	(16)
Recognizing How Your Own Actions and Attitudes Affect the Family	90	(8)
Passing the buck . . . and your own attitudes about food	90	(4)
Analyzing what goes in your grocery cart	94	(1)
Curing your exercise allergies	95	(1)
Weighty judgments	96	(2)
Little Changes, Big Long-Term Results	98	(3)
Cutting back on fat and calories	98	(1)
Making exercise a part of life	99	(2)
Yes, You Can!	101	(4)
Losing weight is possible!	101	(1)
Sticking with the changes	102	(3)
The Basics of Good Nutrition	105	(20)
Understanding Nutritional Requirements: Look to the Food Pyramid	106	(3)
Look at all the pretty colors: What the pyramid means	107	(1)
Putting the pyramid to good use	108	(1)
Fat Is As Fat Does: Recognizing the Fat in Your Family's Diet	109	(3)
Avoiding fat	109	(1)
Making healthier food choices	110	(2)
Counting Up the Calories: How Much Should My Overweight Child Be Eating?	112	(5)
A sample menu with plenty of food	113	(2)
Am I shortchanging my child?!	115	(1)
Managing mealtimes and hunger	116	(1)
Farewell Forever, Favorite Foods?	117	(4)
Healthy food is always the better choice, kids!	117	(2)
Getting used to the taste of nonfried foods	119	(2)
The Lures and Dangers of Fast Food	121	(4)
Fa(s)t food: What you crave	121	(1)
Kids and fast-food meals	122	(2)
What you can do: Dust off the burners	124	(1)
Planning Your Menu and Shopping	125	(22)
Eating Right Requires a Plan!	126	(1)
Making a List and Checking It Twice: What to Shop For and Why	126	(8)
Don't forget the produce	128	(1)
Take it easy on the bread and pasta	129	(1)
Feeding the early birds and packing a power lunch	129	(2)
Attacking snacks	131	(1)
A sample shopping list	131	(2)
What to leave off your list	133	(1)
Getting the Kids Involved in the Planning	134	(2)
Deciding on the menu for the week	134	(1)
Helping out in the kitchen	135	(1)
Healthy Shopping on a Budget	136	(5)
Avoiding the high-priced traps	136	(2)
Having a plan = saving money	138	(1)
Putting food in the deep freeze	139	(2)
Changing the Way You Look at the Grocery Store	141	(1)
Which aisles to avoid	141	(1)
Where to best spend your time and money	142	(1)
Reading Nutrition Labels	142	(5)
Cookin' Up a Healthier Lifestyle	147	(20)
Dealing with Different Palates	148	(4)
Taking on picky eaters	148	(1)
Putting your foot down on separate meals	149	(1)
Encouraging everyone to try new things	150	(2)
Prepping and Cooking the Healthy Way	152	(7)
The fresher, the better	153	(3)
Ahoy! Eating from the deep blue sea	156	(1)
The lowdown on meat: What's healthy and what's not	157	(2)
Knowing What to Avoid	159	(3)
Pass the fried whatever	159	(1)
Curb the bad carbs	160	(2)
Cheese: Friend or foe?	162	(1)
Mom, I'm Starving!	162	(5)
Getting help in the kitchen	163	(1)
Giving lessons in portion sizes	164	(1)
Encouraging self-sufficiency	164	(1)
Promoting creativity	165	(2)
Move It and Lose It: Getting Physical	167	(18)
I've Fallen Onto the Couch and I Won't Get Up: Battling Laziness	168	(4)
Living the sedentary life	169	(1)
Sneaking activity into your family's day	170	(2)
Exercise Is Not a Form of Torture	172	(7)
Getting the whole family involved	172	(2)
Encouraging your kids to move it (and lose it)	174	(3)
Keeping boredom at bay	177	(1)
Taking weight and health into consideration	178	(1)
Snowed In or Rained Out?	179	(2)
Finding fun indoor activities	180	(1)
Keeping the little ones busy	180	(1)
Resisting the tube	181	(1)
Playing It Safe Outdoors	181	(2)
Evaluating Your Child's Physical Education Class	183	(2)
What to look for	183	(1)
How to take action and improve phys ed class	184	(1)
Part III: Managing, Troubleshooting, and Keeping the Weight Off	185	(82)
Supporting Your Child's Weight Loss	187	(18)
Setting Realistic Goals for Your Child	188	(4)
Don't expect too much too soon	188	(2)
Accept that setbacks happen	190	(2)
Being Consistent and Supportive	192	(5)
Making a permanent lifestyle change	193	(1)
Setting a good example	194	(1)
Sticking with it when the going gets rough	195	(1)
Refusing to give treats for tears (or make other common mistakes)	196	(1)
Setting Mealtime Ground Rules	197	(4)
Establishing family dinner nights	197	(1)
Sticking around for breakfast	198	(1)
Turning off the TV	199	(1)
Having everyone pitch in	200	(1)
Getting Everyone Moving	201	(2)
Keeping Up with Your End of the Weight-Loss Bargain	203	(2)
Realizing you're the key to your child's success	203	(1)
Keeping abreast of the newest info	204	(1)
When You Can't Be There: Conquering Tempting Scenarios	205	(18)
Advising Caregivers of the New Rules	206	(6)
Feeding issues at day care	206	(3)
Breaking the news to cookie-pushing grandmas	209	(3)
Sticking With It Away from Home	212	(5)
Don't take a vacation from your healthier lifestyle!	212	(2)
Making healthy choices when eating out	214	(3)
On Their Own: Preparing Children to Make Healthy Choices	217	(2)
Sleepovers, play dates, and junk food	217	(1)
Fending off peer pressure	218	(1)
Grading Your Child's School Lunch	219	(4)
Dealing with a Child Who Hasn't Bought into the Program	223	(14)
Shooting Down Arguments Before They Arise	224	(8)
Remove temptation from the house	225	(2)
Set a good example	227	(2)
Focus on other traits	229	(1)
Promote harmony at home	230	(2)
Reining In Those Sneaky Little Devils	232	(5)
Breaking with the program at school and friends' homes	232	(2)
Emphasizing choices	234	(1)
Resisting the urge to punish	235	(2)
Bringing In Outside Help	237	(14)
Do We Need Professional Help?	237	(1)
Exploring Your Options	238	(4)
Talking with your child's doctor	238	(1)
Investigating medications for weight loss	239	(2)
Weight-loss programs and support groups	241	(1)
Recognizing and Dealing with Severe Weight-Related Issues	242	(9)
Therapy for psychological problems	243	(1)
Surgical options	244	(2)
Weight loss gone too far: Eating disorders	246	(5)
Keeping the Weight Off	251	(16)
Maintaining Positive Change	252	(8)
Taking things one day at a time	253	(1)
Keeping your guard up without going overboard	254	(1)
Comparing the past and present	255	(1)
Evaluating what your child has learned	256	(2)
Being alert for signs of backsliding	258	(2)
Seeing Your Child Through Major Change	260	(3)
Dealing with a new identity	260	(2)
Accepting newfound independence	262	(1)
Celebrating Your Child's Accomplishment	263	(1)
Looking to a Happier, Healthier Future	264	(3)
Part IV: The Part of Tens	267	(18)
Ten Reasons Lifestyle Changes Will Make a Difference	269	(4)
Increasing Self-Esteem	269	(1)
Getting Rid of Aches	270	(1)
Elevating Energy	270	(1)
Opening the Lines of Communication	270	(1)
Looking for New Adventures	271	(1)
Finding Hidden Talents	271	(1)
Inspiring and Helping Others	271	(1)
He Loses, You Lose (The Worry), Everyone Wins	272	(1)
Achieving Better Long-Term Health	272	(1)
Looking Good!	272	(1)
Ten Tips for Maintaining Weight Loss	273	(4)
Turning Away from Temptation	273	(1)
Keeping Moving	274	(1)
Weighing In	274	(1)
Enforcing the House Rules	274	(1)
Getting Everyone Involved	275	(1)
Junking the Junk Food for Good!	275	(1)
Sacking Mealtime Snacks	275	(1)
Kissing Off Bad Habits	276	(1)
Getting Support	276	(1)
Seeking Out New Information	276	(1)
Ten Ways to Cut Fat and Calories from Your Family's Diet	277	(4)
Skip Fast Food	277	(1)
Say Fry-Bye	278	(1)
Choose Snacks Wisely	278	(1)
Hey, Hey! Ho, Ho! Condiments Have Got to Go!	278	(1)
So Long, Sweet Drinks	279	(1)
Prep Your Kitchen	279	(1)
Know Your Substitutes	279	(1)
Prepare for Busy Days	279	(1)
Go Skimmy Dipping	280	(1)
Make Healthy Even Better	280	(1)
Ten Fun Ways to Fit Exercise Into Your Child's Day	281	(4)
Walk	281	(1)
Bring the Dog	282	(1)
Tag!	282	(1)
Dust Off the Bikes	282	(1)
Racers, Take Your Marks	283	(1)
Visit Mother Nature	283	(1)
Introduce Something New	283	(1)
Work Those Kids	284	(1)
Dance, Baby, Dance!	284	(1)
Make a Kid-Safe Playroom	284	(1)
Part V: Appendixes	285	(2)
Appendix A: Recipes	287	(28)
Breakfast	287	(3)
Lunch	290	(4)
Snacks, Drinks, and Frozen Treats	294	(7)
Dinner	301	(14)
Appendix B: Weight Chart and Exercise Log	315	(4)
Weight Chart	316	(1)
Exercise Log	317	(2)
Index	319