How to Prepare Your Child for a Weight Loss Discussion at a Medical Appointment

Talking to a child about weight can be a sensitive topic and a challenge for parents. And it can be especially awkward to bring up at a medical appointment. You will want to prepare your child for this conversation beforehand. Below are talking points and discussion starters.

Understanding Goals

Let your child know that the purpose behind the conversation is to help your family develop better lifestyle habits, which include:

• Healthy eating choices: Learning what foods are nutritious and how to make balanced meal choices
• Fun physical activities: Finding enjoyable ways to stay active together as a family
• Healthy screen time habits: Encouraging more active play and activities
• Good sleep: Ensuring your child gets a restful night’s sleep
• Additional skills: Meal planning, recognizing hunger and fullness cues, coping with teasing and handling strong emotions

Conversation Starters

Talking to your child about these topics can be easier with the right approach. Here’s a conversation starter to guide you:

Parent: “I want to talk to you about a plan I have for learning about healthy behaviors for our family. Making good choices about eating, being active and taking good care of our emotions are all ways we can have healthy minds and healthy bodies. I think we might benefit from learning more about these ideas. We are going to meet with someone who knows a lot about this subject. Can I ask you some questions? How do you feel about this plan? Do you have any worries about this meeting?”

When your child responds, listen with compassion, provide information and avoid making your goals about changing body size and shape. Focus on behavioral changes that will improve health and support your child’s normal growth.

Additional Talking Tips

Here are some more tips that can lead to a positive discussion:

• Focus on health, not weight or physical appearance. Emphasize that the goal is to be healthy, not to look a certain way.
• Express unconditional love: Remind your child of your love regardless of shape or size. Let your child know that you want your family to be happy and healthy and the lifestyle changes will be for all family members.
• Listen to concerns. Be open to your child’s feelings about body image and related worries.
• Highlight strengths: Focus on your child’s strengths and skills instead of body size challenges.
• Avoid power struggles: Offer structured meals and snacks and encourage fun family activities without making them feel forced.
• Invite ideas: Encourage your child to share ideas on family changes and be a part of the process.

Your child’s Weight Management team will want to focus on lifestyle changes for a healthy body, rather than focusing on weight loss. Their goal will be to support self-esteem, promote body positivity and provide your family with the tools needed for this journey.