The treatment plan for the first three months is pretty simple, and we feel confident that we can follow it. The doctor and nutritionist prescribed the following for my daughter.
- I am not allowed to bring any sodas or sweets into the home. "Cold turkey" is the recommended approach to eliminate sugar. The doctor explained the addictive properties of sugar and the need to break the sugar addiction.
- My daughter must eat breakfast every morning. Without breakfast, the body's metabolism slows down to store the food. Eating breakfast signals the body to use the food energy rather than store it.
- Reduce fats. Though my daughter's diet will remain basically the same, we learned how to make fat-reducing modifications. The nutritionist suggested that with fast food we should never super size, throw away ten french fries, and eliminate either the cheese or mayo from a burger.
- Wait at least two hours between snacks and meals.
- When choosing seconds, choose the protein rather than the carbs.
These are changes that we, or anyone, can make. But, the benefit of seeking individual treatment is that the recommendations will be tailored to your child's needs and your family's lifestyle. Professional intervention helps parents and kids make sense of the weight management recommendations and apply them in an individualized way that works for you. It makes a difference, also, when the doctor tells your child and you specifically what you must do. The dynamic becomes one in which your child and you are partners in her treatment rather than one that pits you against your child to impose food limits. For these reasons, I encourage all parents of younger children to seek early treatment. I will keep you informed on our progress and pitfalls as we take the journey through treatment for my child's obesity.
Share your questions and experiences with child obesity and treatment on the Parenting of K-6 Children Forum.
