A cute chubby baby with arms and legsтак называемых перетяжках, вызывает умиление и добрую улыбку. После рождения детки очень активно набирают вес – примерно до 9 месяцев. После этого, как правило, детки начинают очень активно двигаться и, соответственно, худеть. Примерно к полутора – двум годам эта детская полнота исчезает без следа. Однако, увы, так происходит не всегда. В некоторых случаях полнота у ребенка остается и после того, как он вышел из нежного грудничкового возраста. Что же делать родителям в том случае, если они столкнулись с такой непростой проблемой, как лишний вес у ребенка? Не стоит на это обращать внимание, либо же пора бить тревогу? 
What is obesity and how to fight it?
Doctors diagnose obesity in thatif the baby's weight is more than 15% higher than the age norm. Of course, taking into account the baby's height. But obesity is a serious disease that can lead to disruptions in the functioning of internal organs. And the psychological aspect should not be forgotten - after all, if the problem exists, it is unlikely to disappear by itself. And a grown-up child risks becoming an object of ridicule from peers. Unfortunately, children are much more cruel than adults. There are several basic ways to combat this scourge. We will tell you about the most basic of them, but remember that this information is provided for general information only. In each specific case, a weight loss program is selected only by a doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the child's body, his living conditions, physical activity and many other factors.
- Diet
Of course, the very concept of diet and childcompatible with work and bring indescribable horror to both parents and all compassionate relatives. However, in most cases, it is the diet that is the main condition for normalizing weight. Under three years of age, a baby should never be put on a diet, and at 4-5 years of age, obese children are shown a low-calorie diet. It is usually prescribed by a doctor - a pediatrician or a nutritionist. Diet for children has its own characteristics. So, for example, the calorie content of the diet is reduced by reducing the amount of animal fats, as well as carbohydrates. But the amount of protein should not be reduced in any case - it must exactly correspond to the age norm of the child. After all, it is protein that is so necessary for the body for normal growth. For a child, the optimal sources of protein should be dairy products, meat, fish, eggs. Moreover, dairy products should be bought only with reduced fat content. And ideally - completely fat-free. Cream, sour cream, fatty cheeses, fatty cottage cheese, and butter should be completely excluded from the diet.
- Exercise stress
Unfortunately, in recent years even small childrenmore and more often there is a lack of physical activity, not to mention older children. Therefore, parents should also take this issue under strict control. TV and computer time should be strictly limited. Make sure that the child moves as much as possible. For small children, it is enough to simply walk more and play active games. But for children five years and older, doctors advise to take up some kind of sport. Which one exactly - depends only on the capabilities of the parents and the desire of the child. You still can't decide? No problem, try different sports sections - your child will probably like something more. But do not give in to your ambitions - remember that your child will not be able to participate in competitions anyway, since he will not receive medical clearance. In any case, at first.
- Drug therapy
To my great regret.But sometimes in practice there are cases in which a doctor prescribes a child certain pharmacological drugs, the action of which is aimed at weight loss. However, this should never be done, since it is impossible to predict what this will result in for the child's health. Moreover, until the child turns 15, it is unacceptable to give him even biologically active supplements. If you are faced with a similar situation, do not start giving the child any medications under any circumstances. It is much wiser to seek advice from another specialist who specializes specifically in the problems of excess weight in children. Parents should understand that there is no "first aid" for excess weight. All these measures are designed not for one day, a week, and sometimes not for one year. A radical change in lifestyle occurs. And pay attention - not only for the child, but for the entire family without exception. Believe me, you will not be able to force the baby to eat a healthy apple for dessert without tears if you have a piece of pizza or cake on your plate. And stories about the benefits of sports from a dad lying on the couch will not seem very convincing. In order for your child to stick to a diet, play sports and lead a healthy lifestyle, parents should not only create all the necessary conditions, but also set a personal example. Do not keep prohibited products at home, play sports with your baby, go for walks, hikes - a personal example is extremely inspiring.
Useful tips for parents
There are quite a lot of recommendations onabout how to get rid of excess weight. We have tried to systematize this information and offer you some really useful tips that will help you keep your child's weight under control:
- Do not miss the time!
It was already mentioned above that you shouldn't wait,until the problem disappears by itself. I would like to remind you once again that measures must be taken immediately, as soon as the problem makes itself known. Waiting can only worsen the situation.
- Cook yourself
Nowadays people give more and more oftenpreference for ready-made semi-finished products. And this is not surprising, because the crazy pace of modern life leaves less and less time for housework. However, semi-finished products are true allies of excess weight, because they contain a large amount of hidden fat, starch, flour, as well as various spices, preservatives and flavor enhancers. Meals prepared at home are much safer and healthier for any organism, and especially for a child. It is also necessary to pay attention to the form in which you prepare dishes. For example, fried ones should be completely excluded. Give preference to boiled, baked and steamed dishes. And it is better to cook soups without frying.
- Keep track of the contents of the refrigerator
Do not bring home any products under any circumstances.which a child should not eat - sausages, hot dogs, smoked meats. Throw mayonnaise and ketchup, soy sauce out of the refrigerator without regret. By the way, your body will not hesitate to say "thank you" for such a diet. Even if you have no problems with excess weight.
- Watch what the child drinks
Carbonated drinks, as well as jelly, cocoa,Fruit juices should also be completely eliminated. So, what will remain, you ask? Very healthy unsweetened compotes, fruit drinks, still water and green tea without sugar, skim milk will remain. All these drinks will bring much greater benefit to the body.
- Dessert
Of course, leaving a child without sweets isvery cruel. But what if you need to exclude cakes, pies, ice cream, pastries and sweets from the child's menu? There is a way out of this situation. Almost all children eat dried fruits with pleasure. Well, and on a holiday, you can treat the child to a small amount of marmalade or jelly. But not more than twice a month.
- Kashi
Be sure to include porridge in your child’s menu – theycontrol weight perfectly. Oatmeal, buckwheat and rice cereals are best suited for these purposes. Semolina porridge, like all instant cereals, should be excluded from the diet completely.
- Child's diet regime
It is very important to monitor not only what you eatthe child, but also how he eats. The child should be fed at the same time - about 6 times a day. The interval between meals should not exceed two hours. Fractional feeding allows the child to get rid of the feeling of hunger, but at the same time perfectly regulates the amount of food eaten, preventing overeating.
- Decoration of dishes
As a rule, most mothers spend their time onkitchen hours, cutting out ears from carrots and eyes from olives of some animal, as long as the dish looks beautiful and the child eats it with pleasure. In the same case, if your child is forced to sit on a diet, these delights should be excluded so as not to provoke excessive appetite.
- Watch the speed of food
When a child sits down at the table, be sure towatch how fast he eats. If food is literally swallowed "on the fly", the feeling of satiety comes later than in the case of slow chewing of food. And as a result, the child is highly likely to eat more than his body requires.
- Alert all relatives
Don't be lazy and be sure to warn everyone.numerous relatives and family friends that your child has a special menu. And for the kindergarten, be sure to make a list of products that your child should never eat. Although, to be fair, it should be noted that the food in the kindergarten is exclusively dietary.
- Be consistent!
The most important thing that parents have to do isis to learn to say "no". And the child must clearly understand that your no is no. Be consistent in your prohibitions and demands. This will make life much easier. And what is important - not only for you, but also for the child.
Conclusion
And in conclusion of the conversation I would like to mentionthat parents should be especially tactful when talking to their child. In no case should you allow the child to develop this or that complex. Do not frighten the child by telling him that if he does not lose weight, no one will be friends with him and so on. On the contrary, teach the child to love himself as he is! Of course, excess weight in children is a problem. But it is quite solvable. And you should not make a tragedy out of it. Be healthy! We recommend reading:
