1. How to Help a Grandchild from Becoming Overweight University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

2. 1 in 5 children are overweight

3. Why is everyone so concerned? More likely to become overweight adults! Increased risk for health problems: –Type 2 diabetes –Cardiovascular disease –High blood pressure –High blood cholesterol Low self-esteem and poor body image.

4. Is my grandchild’s weight within the acceptable range? See a family physician, health department, school nurse, or other health care provider –Body Mass Index (BMI)- for-Age

5. What should you do if your grandchild is overweight? Do NOT focus on weight loss The child should naturally get taller and grow into their normal weight by improving food choices and increasing physical activity.

6. Your Grandchild’s Weight Serve a variety of nutritious foods. Set limits Provide positive attitudes and stress-free experiences with food. You play an important role!

7. Provide a Healthy Diet My Plate shows a healthy meal pattern Color: –Provide a variety of foods from all food groups. Shape: –Limit foods that are higher in fat and added sugar.

8. Stock Up With Healthy food! Healthy Snacks Fruits-grapes, apples, bananas Vegetables-carrots, celery, broccoli Pretzels Low-fat cheese, light yogurt Frozen juice pops

9. Few nutrients, very high in fat and added sugar. Only occasionally. Encourage water and milk Avoid using sweets as a reward or punishment Provide Sweets and Goodies Occasionally

10. Provide Positive, Stress-free Experiences with Food Grandparents are responsible for: –What is served –When to serve –Where to serve Food shouldn’t cause a battle! Share the responsibility

11. Children are responsible for: Whether to eat How much to eat

12. Be supportive Be supportive and open to talking about your grandchild’s weight concerns. Help them not to feel “different”

13. Be A Role Model Adopt healthy eating habits yourself! Eat together Avoid eating away from the table. Involve children in the kitchen.

14. Encourage Physical Activity Encourage children to be active and reduce the time “sitting around.” Involve children in at least one hour of physical activity every day. Encourage participation in organized sports.

15. Small steps toward change: Provide fruit and vegetable snacks. Limit fruit juice to ideally no more than 1 cup per day. Minimize soft drink intake. Reduce high fat and added sugar cookies, pies, cakes, etc.

16. Small steps toward change (continued) Reduce time watching TV. Increase outdoor activity.

17. Take Home Message Grandparents can help grandchildren build a foundation of healthy eating habits now and for the future! Offer children a variety of healthy foods. Resist the urge to reward with food treats. Create positive food experiences!

18. What Did You Learn? True or False: If your grandchild is overweight, you should help them gradually lose weight. True or False: 30 minutes of physical activity is enough for a child each day Are you more or less likely when giving children candy, to give it to give it to every child despite his/her weight? –More likely- Less Likely