Childhood obesity has become an increasing problem in our society. Individuals who are overweight as children are more likely to be obese as adults. They are also more likely to suffer from illnesses such as heart disease. Therefore, it is critically important that parents attempt to combat childhood obesity. However, if your child is overweight, you may be wondering how to effectively counteract the problem. While you’ll want to keep your child’s weight in check, you’ll also want to make sure that you don’t prevent your child’s growth. Here are some tips for helping your child to lose weight, and to keep it off:

Consult your child’s pediatrician. He or she might have the best ideas for helping your child to lose weight in a healthy manner. You’ll also want to keep in touch with your child’s doctor to make sure that dietary changes are not having an adverse effect on your child’s health.

Talk to a dietician. A registered dietician can help you plan meals that are not only nutritious, but also low in calories and high in "kid appeal". You will be better able to ensure that your child receives all necessary vitamins and minerals, if you have taken the advice of a dietician.

Eliminate the junk food. Sugary sodas are a waste of calories—they provide no nutritional value, but are almost guaranteed to put on weight. Encourage your child to eat snacks made up of fruits or vegetables rather than cake and cookies. When trying to help your child lose weight, you should not limit how much your child eats—instead, monitor what your child eats. In this way, you won’t be depriving your child of anything—except empty calories.

Be sure to read food labels carefully. Labels will inform you of the calorie and fat content of processed foods. This information will help you to select foods that will help your child slim down. Also, make sure that your entire family is eating healthy. Parents can set a powerful example for their children when it comes to diet. In addition, it is important for your child’s self-esteem that he or she is not singled out for healthy snacks.  The whole family needs to be involved in the weight loss effort.

Make sure your child gets plenty of exercise. Too much television or video games can interfere with your child’s ability to burn calories. Therefore, you should encourage your child to become involved in sports or dance.  Regular physical activity will boost your child’s metabolism, enabling your child to shed unwanted pounds. At times, you may also want to exercise with your child. Playing a game of touch football or bowling together can make exercise more fun for your son or daughter—and it may help you yourself to lose weight in the process.

Eliminate meals in front of the TV. Studies have shown that those who eat their meals in front of the television set tend to eat more. Make it a rule that everyone in the household needs to eat meals at the dinner table. Also, make sure your child eats all snacks at the table. He or she is less likely to overindulge that way.

With proper guidance and discipline, your child can lose weight. But your child will need your continuing guidance and support to keep the weight off. And remember:  weight loss takes time. Don’t expect any overnight success stories.