Cathy Dyer
RDN, NBC-HWC

In Wake County, 27.9% of youth 2-18 years old are overweight or obese. When your pediatrician tells you your child or teenager is overweight, you may be surprised, worried, or sad. Becoming well informed is the best way to start helping your overweight child. With evidence-based information and guidance, you can help your child become part of the 20% who achieve a healthy weight and maintain it into adulthood. Learn about and discuss strategies and resources in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. A comprehensive workbook, including the information presented in class, will be provided as part of the tuition.

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Course Description

 

Lesson 1: WHAT IS PEDIATRIC OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY?

Research has shown most parents of overweight children do not recognize that their child is overweight. In this class you will learn how pediatric overweight and obesity are defined by the CDC and what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends as treatment. We’ll discuss what causes kids to become overweight and the health risks faced by kids with extra weight. We will see what the latest research has determined helps kids achieve a healthy weight.

 

Lesson 2: A FAMILY AFFAIR

Family-based interventions are more effective than interventions focused only on the child. In this class we will discuss how to change your family’s habits to support appropriate weight management without causing harm to your child and your relationship with your child. We’ll explore the Division of Responsibility in Feeding, the importance of family meals, and ways to be physically active as a family.

 

Lesson 3: NUTRITION, HEALTHY EATING HABITS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND SLEEP

This lesson will cover macro and micronutrients and the specific needs of growing children and adolescents. Healthy eating habits, recommended levels and types of physical activity, and the role sleep plays in nutritional health and weight management will be discussed. Food labels and nutrition fact panels will be explained. Sugar sweetened beverages and other sources of added sugars will be discussed.

 

Lesson 4: DEVELOPING A FAMILY PLAN AND SETTING APPROPRIATE GOALS

We’ll put all the information learned in the previous lessons together to develop a plan specific to your family and your child’s needs. We will discuss breaking a large goal down into smaller, appropriate SMART goals. Handling the inevitable obstacles and setbacks that occur when changing behaviors and habits will be covered to ensure your success.