obese child
Overweight child from a file photo (Getty Images)

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests a gentler approa

“Obesity is a medical diagnosis with real health consequences, so it is important for children and families to understand the current and future risks,” a 2017 policy statement says, “…this should be addressed with a balanced and empathetic approach so that the information is conveyed and understood in a sensitive and supportive manner.”

“Guilt and blame don’t motivate long-term healthy changes, they just make people feel bad,” says Texas pediatrician Stephen Pont, co-author of the AAP statement.  He encourages children and families to make small changes together as a family that are sustainable and always “keep it positive.”