If you're the parent of an overweight or obese child, you may find it difficult to strike a balance between supporting your child and encouraging him or her to work toward a healthier weight. Here are some tips from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) on how to help your overweight child:

• Accept your child at any weight. You can boost your child’s self-esteem by letting him or her know that your love is not contingent on weight. Encourage your child to talk about weight, eating and concerns about acceptance with you.
• Get the entire family involved. Instead of singling out your overweight child to exercise, make getting fit a family affair. Plan an afternoon swim at the local pool, or start a routine of a neighborhood walk after dinner each evening. Make sure you're a good role model for healthy eating and exercising, too - your child will see your example and follow it.
• Take a field trip to the grocery store. As with getting fit, learning to eat healthily is for every member of the family. If you usually go to the grocery store alone, take your child along. Explain why it's better to choose bread made with whole-wheat flour, and let your child choose his or her favorite fruits and vegetables. If your child has a sense of involvement in the food selection process, he or she may be more likely to eat healthier foods.

Helping your child lose weight should never be a do-it-yourself endeavor because children may become overweight for a variety of reasons, including hormonal or other medical disorders. If you are concerned about your child's weight, talk to your child’s doctor - he or she can guide you as you help your child with weight maintenance.

Related information Weight management for children

Sources:  National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), "Helping Your Overweight Child," http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/helpchld.htm; The Nemours Foundation, "Your Child’s Weight," http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/childs_weight.html