TrimKids from ediets.com is a web-based diet plan that might look into, while books are available from pariplan.com and slimkids.com. However, without the supervision of a professional, things could be unsafe. Keeping in mind the economic constraints that the parents face, professionals like Gary Goldfield have begun to offer some Internet services to selected patients, though he himself agrees that such online fixes are less effective than a personal one-on-one session.

‘Weight Watchers’ has begun to develop a commercially viable 12-week family program where coaches and pediatrics would teach parents about healthy food option and activities. The focus of the program deals less with weight loss and more on growing into a healthy weight. The basic tenants of the program are laid down in the book Weight Watchers Family Power: 5 Simple Rules for a Healthy-Weight Home.

At the end of the day thus, what becomes truly important is that the parents realize the importance of insisting on daily physical activity and holding back on the bag of junk food. A more thorough awareness about obesity among the family doctors, along with more provincially funded, multidisciplinary treatment centers would go on to help alleviate the situation to a very large extent. In the mean time, the numerous obese kids, suffering under the uncertain risk of Type-2 diabetes, depression, cardiovascular problems and even cancer, do not have much to bank their hopes on.

In a country where obesity has gone on to become one of the most worrying health issues, the lack of resources can only go on to anger and agitate the helpless parents who cannot help but feel disgruntled at the fact that their obese children seem to be probably the most under-serviced patient population in North America!

Gabriela Tymowski the director of ‘LEAP!’ has suggested the following tips to help families keep away from the curse of obesity.

  1. At least 30 minutes of daily activity for kids. Playing in the park could be a good option.
  1. Walk or ride your bike to work, whenever possible.
  1. Restrict watching television, or using the computer for more than a couple of hours each day.
  1. Fixed hours of sleep will help the child make proper food decisions.
  1. Keep washed and peeled fruits at home, where they can be easily accessed. Consume lean proteins and low-fat, whole-grain foods.
  1. A preliminary result from a University of Alberta study found that diet drinks and foods can trick the body into overeating, and hence one should avoid them.
  1. Restrict eating out too many times, for homemade meals are generally lower in calories and fat.
  1. Get the kids interested in packing their own lunch, since they are typically more likely to eat what they helped prepare.
  1. Researchers in Harvard University have estimated that the average daily difference between calories consumed and energy expended, is between 110 and 165 calories, which is about the same as one pop. Thus, it would be a good idea to pass up on juices and pops.
  1. One should contact a health professional as soon as possible, for even obese three-year olds have a risk of adult obesity.
  1. It is important to encourage the efforts that the obese child puts in and one must take care never to put down or ridicule him.

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