With all the attention paid to childhood obesity these days, some parents, health care professionals, and the media may believe that children and teens should have their food closely monitored and controlled.

Since dieting hasn’t worked to decrease overweight and obesity in adults, why on earth would we impose this approach on children?

Unless there’s an immediate and serious threat to a child’s well-being,* putting a child on a restrictive diet just leads to other problems:

Guilt: Research has shown that children who are restricted from eating certain foods are more likely to choose those foods when their parents aren’t around, more likely to eat those foods even when they aren’t hungry, and more likely to feel guilty when they do. (Kind of sounds like your last diet doesn’t it?)

Eating Disorders: Studies have shown that eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia may start with an innocent attempt to diet and control weight. In the United States, conservative estimates indicate that after puberty, 5-10 million girls and women, and 1 million boys and men are struggling with eating disorders or borderline conditions.

Disordered Eating: In my work as a weight management specialist in adults, I have also seen that dieting leads to a preoccupation with food and the development of abnormal eating patterns - patterns that are often carried into adulthood.

Body Image Disturbances: American society often sets up unrealistic expectations for physical appearance. Girls and young women are especially vulnerable to the pressures of our society—especially her peer group—to be thin.

Weight Gain: Dieting is not only ineffective, but studies have shown that adolescents who diet actually gain more weight than their peers.

So what’s a parent to do? Keep in mind that our goal is to raise healthy, happy children that can skillfully navigate our abundant food environment into adulthood. A positive approach to building healthy habits that don’t lead to more food and weight problems is essential.

• Teach children to recognize the difference between hunger and all the other reasons they feel like eating.
• Provide delicious, nutritious meals and snacks and set a good example with your own eating habits.
• Never make certain foods “bad” or “forbidden,” since that only increases their desirability.
• Be sure to provide plenty of opportunity for physical activity – and that may mean going along for a bike ride or game of tennis.
• Most importantly, be sure your home is a place of unconditional love and acceptance.

Dr. May is the author of ‘H’ is for Healthy - Weight Management for Kids - a fun way to introduce young children to the importance of healthy eating, an active lifestyle, and unconditional acceptance of their bodies. The healthy attitudes and behaviors they learn are invaluable gifts that last a lifetime. (Includes Spanish translation on every page.) Peak inside: http://www.amihungry.com/book.shtml

*If you are concerned about your child’s weight and health, see your family physician.