About Our Practice

Childhood obesity has become one of the most serious health problems facing American children today. Over 25% of all children are overweight. Children and teens with significant weight problems are at high risk for future life threatening health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It is CRITICAL that parents intervene as soon as possible to prevent these problems from occurring.

There are three main areas where you must take action to help your child: physical activity, food selection, and eating behavior. The following are straightforward rules that can help. In order for this program to be successful, the entire family must participate.

Physical Activity

Enroll your child in a regular physical activity. Physical Education in school is important and many parents report their child plays a lot outside. However, an extra-curricular activity that your child regularly participates is vital. Soccer, baseball, basketball are very popular but other activities such as dance, martial arts, or gymnastics may appeal more to your child.

Turn off the TV. Children who watch more TV (or video games, computer games) are more overweight. I recommend no more that one hour per day of TV/video/computer time.

Food Selection

Children are not going to make good food selections without help from you. There are many ways to select low fat and low sugar foods. Starting with two simple food selection rules will give you a great start:

Eliminate all sugar containing drinks including soft drinks, juice, sport drinks. Drink water and sugar free beverages.

Eliminate all chip products including potato chips, corn chips, cheese snacks.

Eating Behavior

Limit all food consumption in your house to the kitchen and dining room.

Do not allow anyone to eat while watching television.

Serve normal size portions and use smaller plates.

Avoid second helpings.

Have your child eat healthy in between meal snacks such as fruits or raw vegetables.

Make sure that your child has a good role model: The parents and other family members must also follow these guidelines for your child to be successful!!

Helpful Books

Slim & Fit Kids - Raising Healthy Children in a Fast-Food World by Judy Mazel, et al.

Quick Meals for Healthy Kids and Busy Parents: Wholesome Family Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less from Three Leading Child Nutrition Experts by Sandra K. Nissenberg, et al.

Feed Your Kids Well: How to Help Your Child Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Fred Pescatore, Robert C. Atkins

Fit Kids!: The Complete Shape-Up Program from Birth Through High School by Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D. et al.

Sugar Busters for Kids by Samuel S. Andrews (Editor), et al.

Helping Your Overweight Child: A Family Guide by Caroline J. Cederquicst, Craig Clark

The Yale Guide to Children's Nutrition by William V. Tamborlane (Editor), et al.

The American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Your Children's Nutrition: Making Peace at the Table and Building Healthy Eating Habits for Life by William H. Dietz (Editor), et al.