NBC News – Samantha Cassetty, RD
One in five American children is considered obese, according to data from the CDC, but weight loss in kids is a touchy subject. Just recently, WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) came under attack after launching an app aimed at helping kids lose weight. Reaction on social media was fierce with many dietitians expressing outrage and concern that the tracking system could lead to an unhealthy fixation on food and body image, and ultimately an eating disorder, which can be life-threatening. Their concern isn’t totally misguided. An American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Clinical Report suggests that among children, dieting with the goal of losing weight is a risk factor for both obesity and eating disorders. One study found that girls who weren’t obese who dieted in the 9th grade were three times more likely to be overweight in 12th grade compared to girls who didn’t diet. The case against dieting among kids is so strong that the AAP says it’s counterproductive to managing weight.
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/how-talk-your-kids-about-weight-ncna1050841