Some of the families that come to me are concerned about their larger bodied kiddos. Parents are concerned about the health risks that accompany having more body fat.

They are hurt by the judgement they may feel from other parents, family members and their child’s pediatrician. They are worried about bullying and teasing that their kiddo has experienced and they want to know how to help.

I’ve had parents say “I grew up in a larger body and was crushed because I was on the receiving end of a lot of unkindness about my weight. I want my kid to be spared that “.

I thought about those parents a lot while I was at my conference (Today’s Dietitian Symposium) last week. I sat in on two different presentations relating to larger bodied kids and how Registered Dietitians can help.

New Pediatric Obesity Guidelines

The first session “Overcoming Systemic Barriers Implementing the AAP’s New Pediatric Obesity Guidelines in Health Care” reviewed the guidelines and instructed us on the impact of these guidelines on pediatric health practices.

One point that really stuck with me is that “the most effective treatment includes 26 or more hours of face-to-face, family based, multicomponent treatment over a 3 to 12 month period.”

That’s a real commitment. Broken down, it’s a 1 hour visit with me every other week or a 30 minute weekly visit for about a year. I enjoy the families that I get to know and guide through a long relationship such as this.

Whole Child Healthy

The guidelines also emphasize a whole-child approach, not just a focus on the scale number.

This brings me to the second session: ” Whole Child Healthy” by my friend (and former mentor) Jill Castle. I mentioned last week how much I was looking forward to hearing her speak and she didn’t disappoint!

In her talk she touched upon most of the 8 health habits from her new book “Kids Thrive at Every Size: How to Nourish Your Big, Small or In-Between Child for a Lifetime of Health and Happiness“.

You may be wondering, “Hey Karen, you’ve mentioned Jill’s book two weeks in a row. Are you getting a cut of the sales?” Nope, but I’m a huge fan of Jill’s writing so I’ll keep sharing with you.

One final thought about kids with larger bodies that came directly from “Overcoming Systemic Barriers Implementing the AAP’s New Pediatric Obesity Guidelines in Health Care”:

“Bias and stigmatization directed at people with obesity contributes to poor health and impairs treatment.” (emphasis mine).

If you have a kiddo with a larger body and would like to help, please reach out. I’m here to guide you without judgement.

Snack Idea:

Fruit salad with Greek yogurt & granola (or other crunchy topping

Reach out at Karen@CoastalFamilyNutrition.com or call the office at 603-674-2479.

Please feel free to share this with someone who may like to learn more about feeding kiddos!