Small Victories; Healthy Kids

An ongoing study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Associationis shedding valuable light on new approaches to preventing obesity and maintaining healthy weight in children. The research is based on focus groups, interviews, and in-home observations of children, parents, and teachers.

According to respondents, two concepts are vital for achieving better health in children. One is developing attainable goals. Researchers stated that children believed the process of losing weight would be more achievable if tackled one step at a time. Children also said they want their parents and siblings to participate in healthy lifestyle changes.

The second concept is self-esteem. Children are sensitive about their appearance, and want parents to be supportive, not nagging. They also appreciate confidentiality from parents and teachers&classmates and extended family members needn't know about weight-loss efforts.

Both children and parents thought that small victories, achieved consistently, would be great motivators to sustain a healthy lifestyle.