July 2004

Editor’s Note: With the growing attention in the media and schools about childhood obesity, we want to dedicate the next several Primary Care FAQs to physical activity and obesity.

What should I do if my daughter appears overweight?

You should not be concerned that your daughter is overweight if she is growing, physically active, and eats well-balanced meals. However, if she seems overweight, take her to your primary care doctor for an assessment and develop a plan to involve the entire family (not just your daughter) in physical activities and in eating healthy food. It is important that you make the changes a family effort so that your daughter does not feel that she has a problem. The suggestions listed below will help your daughter to lead a healthy lifestyle:

• Schedule family activities that everyone will take pleasure in, such as biking or rollerblading.
• Be a positive example by eating healthy well-balanced meals and snacks and participating in routine physical activity. If your daughter sees you taking care good care of yourself, she is more likely do the same.
• Restrict the time that your daughter watches movies and television to 2 hours or less a day.

It is extremely important that you let your daughter know that she is supported and loved regardless of her weight. She probably knows that she is overweight and will need your encouragement and acceptance.

Tips for Healthy Eating

• Make an effort to eat meals together as a family at least once a day.
• Plan ahead for health snacks.
• For healthy eating, refer to the Dietary Guidelines at www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines .
• Do not use food as a reward for positive behavior.
• Limit the intake of drinks that include added sugars and encourage your daughter to drink lots of water.
• Make a goal of eating at least five servings of vegetables and fruits each day.
• Do not use a restrictive diet to keep your daughter’s weight on track.
• Encourage to your child to eat slowly and only when hungry.

Tips for Physical Activity

• Limit the amount of time that you and your family spend being inactive, such as playing video games or watching TV.
• Create a safe environment for your daughter and her friends to play actively.
• Encourage your daughter to participate in a least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity several times a week, such as tennis, soccer, softball, and other fun activities.

By serving as a role model in both healthy eating and physical activity, you can help your daughter to be healthy now and for the rest of her life.

Resources:

Bright Futures at Georgetown University. (2004). Retrieved June, 15, 2004 from: http://www.brightfutures.org/physicalactivity/issues_concerns/54.html.

The Surgeon General's Call To Action To Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity. (2004). Retrieved June 15, 2004 from: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/calltoaction/fact_adolescents.htm.