Being fat is not fun at any age. It can be especially difficult for a child because other children can be cruel. But the effects of being overweight or obese go far beyond teasing—they literally can be life threatening.

How can you help your child? "First, recognize that the problem involves the whole family," says Stacy McConkey, MD, weight management specialist with University of Iowa Children's Hospital. "The best approach to preventing or managing childhood obesity is motivating your child to become healthy by creating an environment where a healthy diet and regular physical exercise is the norm."

UI Children's Hospital has several weight management options to help children from six years of age through the teen years to get their weight under control. Using behavior modification, nutrition counseling, and fitness training, the multidisciplinary team involves the whole family in the process. Family involvement teaches everyone healthy habits and doesn't single out the overweight child. Programs that don't target the whole family have a lower success rate for long-term weight loss.

The Pediatric Health Intervention and Treatment (PHIT) program for elementary age children includes education about nutrition and behavioral issues for parents and introduces fun, learning activities for children.

The Shapedown program for teens incorporates a range of family therapy and psychoeducational techniques to increase physical activity and improve teen esteem and family communication.

Slimming ideas

• Know where your child's calories come from
• Be a good role model, eat healthy and exercise regularly
• Limit the number of calories from soda, milk, and juice your child drinks. Substitute water instead.
• Limit snacking
• Avoid frequent fast-food meals
• Teach your child portion control
• Don't force your child to clean his plate, let him learn to stop when he feels full
• Encourage your child to keep a food journal
• Encourage regular exercise
• Limit sedentary television and computer use