While some teenagers are extremely figure-conscious, others cannot care less, and few others are constantly battling with their excess weight. They start with rigorous physical exercises, but give them up very soon. What role can parents play in this battle with the bulge?

Don’t tease your child

The worst thing you can do is to make fun of your teen, especially in public. Don’t ever laugh at your teen or call him or her names like chubby or fatty, even if the teenager takes it sportingly. Parents should show sensitivity towards their teenager’s weight problem. If your daughter does not want to wear the swimsuit for obvious reasons, do not push the point too far.

Be a role model

The schedule followed by parents can set a precedent for children. A pro-active constructive lifestyle of parents can inspire a teenager to exercise regularly. For instance, if the mother is in the habit of walking after dinner, children will also be less inclined towards lazing around or constantly watching television. Therefore set a family tradition of physical exercise. Pay importance to maintaining physical fitness.

Diet

Don’t put your teen on a crash diet without previous consultation with your doctor. You should cut down on sweets, but let the restrictions be relaxed once in a while. Let your teenager gradually understand responsibility of a balanced diet. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Try and be as subtle about dietary restrictions as possible. For instance, substitute full cream milk with low fat milk. Don’t give too many fried munching items. It is unfair to serve rich and fatty foods for the rest of the family and then expect your teenager to skip it. Do not tempt your teenager unnecessarily.

Encourage sports and outdoor games

Encourage your teenager to play different types of sports. If time and resources permit, get a membership in a gymnasium club. Never let the child leave the club course incomplete. Make him or her realize the value of the gymnasium.

Is your child overweight? Do's and Don'ts

Do's

• Keep a chart and/or take notes on the weight gain, its duration and circumstances. This will help the doctor.
• Do some research at your child's school. Ask the dietician to explain the lunch and/or snack menu. Find out if food vending machines are available to kids and check out what they offer.
• Talk to the physical education department. What exactly does your child during gym. Some schools have minimized or even eliminated gym or outdoor sports.
• Check to see if any major change occurred in your family in the past year or so (or before the onset of the child's overweight). Changes include death of a relative or pet, divorce or separation, moving to a new town, loss of a child's friends, favorite teacher.
• When visiting the pediatrician or doctor, leave your kids alone with the doctor. It doesn't help to hover. Your scrutiny may impede an honest assessment of the situation.

Don'ts

• Don‘t act impulsively. Be aware that a chubby phase which often accompanies or precedes a growth spurt may not be a medical overweight problem. Wait for a few months. Then, if you're still concerned, take your child to a friendly well-recommended pediatrician your child will feel comfortable with.
• Don’t dismiss "baby fat" as harmless. Overweight 4 or 5 year olds may need help.
• Don't abruptly start to ration food or snacks. Take the child to a pediatrician and get advice before making any changes.
• Don't assume that chubby girls have more of a problem than chubby boys. Studies show boys with chronic weight problems and/or eating disorders are on the increase.
• Don't force your child to exercise or institute family exercise rules until she or he has been diagnosed and tested. Don't make fat jokes or be judgmental. Emotional problems can exacerbate the situation.