1. What do overweight kids go through emotionally? What do you hear from kids?

Overweight kids have to deal with name-calling and words that hurt. Teasing negatively impacts their peer relationships and feelings of self-esteem and confidence. Overweight kids often are overlooked when choosing sides for a physical game or excluded on the playground by other kids.

2. What about the teasing and mean jokes? How do you help your child?

Teasing is so important that I devoted a chapter to this topic. Kids need parents’ help dealing with people who tease them. I offer several strategies to try with your child. Overall, you want to equip and prepare your child to confront teasing and try to get it to stop. Otherwise, teasing that is not dealt with can create life long scars and result in a child believing lies about himself. Even when a child handles the teasing, you still need to talk to her about the impact of the words.

3. So many kids and parents are overweight. Do some families just not "notice" there's a problems?

When “normal” is overweight, some families don’t notice or think their child has a weight problem. A recent study confirmed this idea. So, you should always check with your pediatrician to be sure.

4. How do you know if your child has a weight problem versus being "stocky," or having "baby fat" they'll outgrow?

If your child is 20 percent above his or her ideal body weight, then he/she is probably overweight. A more specific measure is to know your child’s Body Mass Index. A child is at risk for being overweight or is overweight if she/he is at or above the 85th percentile. If you know your child’s height and weight you can calculate their BMI. "Overweight Kids" shows you how to do this. Or call your pediatrician and check.

5. What are some practical steps parents can take?

1) Develop healthy eating habits as a family and don’t single out your child to diet.

2) Eat meals together, cook nutritiously and provide healthy snacks.

3) Get your child up and moving with active play.

4) Use motivators to make changes one step at a time—use rewards like praise, star charts, stickers and incentives like staying up late, time with dad, etc.

5) Make sure your child isn’t eating for emotional reasons—address family problems.

6) Know what your child is eating at school. Pack a lunch if he/she is buying junk food or eating unhealthy foods.

7) Limit media consumption –most of it is sedentary and adds to pounds.

6. How do you know if your child needs professional help?

Kids who are 30-40 percent overweight and are not responding to changes you make in your family may need to be involved with a professional program. Overweight Kids gives you guidelines and what to look for in these programs and how to spot the beginning of an eating disorder.

Dr. Mintle – author, professor, Approved Supervisor and Clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Mintle is a speaker and media personality, as well as a licensed clinical social worker with over twenty years in psychotherapy practice.

For more articles and information, visit Dr. Linda Mintle's Web site.