If they express concern, you can say, "There's nothing wrong with being fat [or chubby]—all bodies are good bodies!" If they're taking it more in stride, just reinforce that with something like, "Your body is the perfect size for you!" You might read a book together that reiterates your words, such as Bodies Are Cool, ...
What Are Fats? Fats are nutrients in food that the body uses to build cell membranes, nerve tissue (including the brain), and hormones. The body also uses fat as fuel. If fats eaten aren't burned as energy or used as building blocks, they're stored by the body in fat cells.
Studies show that commenting on your daughter's weight majorly boosts her chance of not liking her body – regardless of what she weighs. It can also put her at a higher risk for eating disorders including binge eating disorder (which is what happened to me).
Phrases like “unhealthy weight” and “body mass index” are preferred by adolescents who are overweight, whereas terms like “obese,” “fat,” or “weight problem” induce feelings of sadness, embarrassment, and shame. Also, use people-first language whenever possible such as “child with obesity,” rather than “obese child.”
Talking to children about their weight can be difficult. However, weight is an important part of health, so if there is an issue it should be talked about. Remember to focus on healthy changes in behavior. Remind your child of the positive things that you are all doing as a family.
Overweight kids and teens can develop weight-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure and are more likely to be overweight as adults. And adults who are overweight have a greater chance of serious health problems, such as heart disease.
Validate Her Feelings
If she thinks she's overweight, arguing with her feelings could make the situation worse. Validate her feelings by saying something like, "I know it can be hard to feel good about your body sometimes."
Be open and honest about your concerns
Here are a few examples you can use: “I feel sad when I hear you speak critically about yourself and your body.” “I feel concerned when I see you skip meals.” “I feel worried when you weigh yourself repeatedly.”
A study by University College London found that telling someone they're fat makes them eat more, not less, so approach your friend with empathy. Start a conversation by talking about people in your family who've struggled with their weight, or even your own struggle if you've had one.
Parents feel that the child's weight gain is not only equated with criticism of the child but also criticism that they have failed as parents. Having an overweight child can entail a sense of shame. In order to protect their children, parents do not want to include them in dialogue with the school health services.
A main cause of childhood obesity is the behavior children pick up from their parents and caregivers. You can prevent childhood obesity by teaching your child about healthy eating habits and encouraging them to stay physically active.
First, plan to talk to your pediatrician or family doctor. Call ahead of time to let them know that you'd like them to talk with your child about healthy weight when you visit. They can also measure your child's height and weight to figure out their body mass index (BMI) and see if they really are overweight.
Encourage daily activity and limit sedentary activity, such as watching TV. Include a weight loss maintenance program and other support and referral resources. This will reinforce the new behaviors and deal with hidden issues that contributed to the child becoming overweight.
Noticeable weight gain may occur prior to a growth spurt as excess fat helps promote growth. As a child goes through puberty, their stores of body fat may change. For example, girls tend to gain more fatty tissue in the hips, thighs and buttocks, while boys may have an increase in fat on their stomachs.
Show them you are proud of your body and they may be less likely to harass you. Say something like, "I like my body the way it is, even if you don't. I'm happy with who I am, so your opinion does not matter much to me."
More significant weight gain is normal during the preadolescent ages of roughly 9 to 12 and adolescence – as a child matures into a young adult. It's not unusual for the body to store fat during this time as it prepares for the rapid growth and changes associated with puberty.
Puberty – Increased hormones in a child's body during puberty (between the ages of 10 and 14 for girls and between the ages of 12 and 16 for boys) leads to growth and possible expansion of “baby fat” areas. This typically takes place in girls' belly, breast area and hips. Boys' shoulders will get broader.
Obese children and adolescents were around five times more likely to be obese in adulthood than those who were not obese. Around 55% of obese children go on to be obese in adolescence, around 80% of obese adolescents will still be obese in adulthood and around 70% will be obese over age 30.