How Do Fad Diets Affect Kids?
Bread, once revered as the staff of life, has now been demonized as the ultimate forbidden food in our low-carb, no-carb world. It seems that everyone is obsessed with the protein-packed Atkins and South Beach diets.
But is it a good thing when parents who want to slim automatically enroll the entire family in their no-carb crusade?
"Fad diets that restrict entire food groups are not appropriate for children," asserts Shelly Frank, RD, LD, a clinical dietitian and case manager at HealthWorks!, the non-surgical weight management program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. "These diets limit vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients that children need to support growth and development."
What's the Harm in Fad Diets?
In Atkins and the early weeks of the South Beach diet, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods are taboo. "These are the foods children need for calcium, vitamins and fiber. Supplements should not replace nutrient-dense foods, particularly in a child's diet."
In the carb-restricted diets, there is often rapid weight loss, as much as eight to 13 pounds in the first two weeks for adults. Much of that is water loss, which, if prolonged, can increase the risk for electrolyte imbalances. For children, such calorie restrictions over time can impair growth.
Improving Weight Status
"Our recommendation for overweight children is often to 'grow into their weight.' In other words, maintaining their weight as they grow taller will gradually improve their weight status. If a weight loss is medically warranted, we might aim for one pound a month. Depending on the severity of overweight and other weight-related medical problems, we might increase our recommendation for weight loss to a pound a week," Ms. Frank says.
At HealthWorks!, the patient and the parents work with the staff to design a plan based on portion control of a wide range of foods. "We focus on changing behavior to promote healthful eating," she explains. For example, whole grains are often substituted for refined starch products such as white bread, while fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and water step in to take the place of empty-calorie snacks such as chips, cookies and sodas.
"We want the child and family to focus on health rather than weight, and for the parents to be role models," Ms. Frank says. "We encourage everyone to eat a variety of foods and to set a regular meal and snack schedule.
"We don't want the plan to be too restrictive – there are everyday foods and 'sometimes' foods. And we never want food to be used as a reward."
Balancing Intake with Activity
A vital component of any weight-management strategy, for children or adults, is physical activity. "The current recommendation is that children and teens accumulate 60 minutes of moderate activity during the day. Being active should be part of a daily routine for the entire family," she explains.
To build on family participation, Ms. Frank encourages walks for everyone, as well as a safe place for child's play.
"If children are in a neighborhood where they can play outside, parents can keep balls, jump ropes and bikes ready. Or they can clear out a space in a room where the children can dance or play inside.
"Overweight results from an energy imbalance, with more calories taken in than the body uses in physical activity," she says. "Fad diets, where we have no data on their long-term safety or effectiveness, are not the answer. Starting the child on a lifetime of weight management is."
