What if my child is above
a healthy weight?

Focus on putting in to practice the Seesaw Project's recommendations for healthy eating, physical activity and healthy rest. Normalise healthy changes as part of everyday living rather than considering it as a consequence of punishment for unhealthy weight

Children above a healthy weight need a healthy balance of nutritious food intake just like every other child. That includes setting limits on sometimes foods and drinks servings

Introduce changes as part of a healthy family change. Avoid singling out your child for changes as this can lead to stigmatization, low self esteem and feelings of being punished for their weight

Try to change everything all at once as this often leads to short term success and long term failure

Talk to your doctor or dietitian about reviewing your child's food intake, as children above a healthy weight may not only having too many sometimes foods and drinks, they can also be having too much food for their body's needs

Be aware that not all health professionals have a good understanding of healthy weight for children. Some may recommend diets or for your child to attend adult weight loss centres. Consider the impact on your child's physical, social and emotional wellbeing

Generally parents should deal directly with health professionals, rather than the child, with parents putting healthy changes into practice at home

In extreme cases of obesity, children may be put on a very short term diet restriction before returning to a healthy lifestyle. This is  experimental as research has yet to establish this as an effective approach. It is not recommended as a standard or appropriate treatment for most children. This type of approach to weight management should only be undertaken though a hospital outpatient setting with a qualified health professional team including a paediatrician, dietitian and psychologist.

Avoid looking for quick fixes, miracle diets or potions. Children's weight management requires a long term commitment to healthy lifestyles for children and good parenting practices.

Seek out practical skills that can help you manage your child's weight and lifestyles which may include cooking, relaxation or parenting classes or family physical activity programs

Ensure your child has a full health assessment including testing for glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and diabetes

Look for long term rather than short term changes to weight and keep focused on changing the lifestyle of your child

Sort out your own weight management issues. You don't need a healthy weight to give your child a healthy lifestyle but you do need a healthy attitude to family lifestyles.

Don't blame your child for being above a healthy weight. It is a parent's responsibility to set expectations and provide limits for healthy lifestyles.

Don't blame yourself but do take responsibility. There has been very little information provided to parents on appropriate limits for children until recently. Now you have the right information, it is time to act.