How can obesity be managed and treated? 

 Obese children need a thorough medical evaluation by a paediatrician or family physician to consider the possibility of a physical cause.  In the absence of a physical disorder, the only way to lose weight is to reduce the amount of carbohydrates being consumed.

Insulin Management & Blood sugar control is one of the most important factors to start with effective weight loss.

Follow the 7 Day Damage Control Program & the Manna Products.

After this period you can continue on the Manna Low GI Menu Plans.

You have to increase the child's level of physical activity.  See the exercise options and the reason why you have to exercise.

Lasting weight loss can only occur when there is self-motivation.  Since obesity often affects more than one family member, making healthy eating and regular exercise a family activity can improve the chances of successful weight control for the child or adolescent. 

Ways to manage obesity in children. change eating habits (eat slowly, develop a routine)

• Plan meals and make better food selections (eat less fatty foods, avoid junk and fast foods) Manna FREE Menu Plans.

• Control portions and consume less carbohydrates.

• Increase physical activity (especially walking) and have a more active lifestyle.

• Know what your child eats at school.

• Eat meals as a family instead of while watching television or at the computer.

• Do not use food as a reward.

• Limit snacking and if snacking, eat healthy, low fat high fibre snacks which will keep you satisfied for longer.

Obesity frequently becomes a lifelong issue.  The reason most obese adolescents gain back their lost pounds is that after they have reached their goal, they go back to their old habits of eating and inactivity. 

An obese adolescent must therefore learn to eat and enjoy healthy foods in moderate amounts and to exercise regularly to maintain the desired weight. 

Parents of an obese child can improve their child's self esteem by emphasizing the child's strengths and positive qualities rather than just focusing on their weight problem.