Knowledge
Weight loss in children – what actually works
Many who search for how children lose weight hope for a quick fix. But for children, treatment isn't about diets – it's about healthier development over time, involving the whole family.
The goal is not always a lower weight
Children grow. For many children with overweight, it's enough for their weight to remain stable for a period while the child continues to grow in height – then their BMI decreases naturally without the child needing to lose kilograms.
In cases of obesity, actual weight loss may be needed, but always slowly, in consultation with healthcare services and with the whole family involved.
What we know works are changes in daily life. In Evira's treatment concept, the family is the expert on their own daily life, and small changes that the family can sustain over time are what yield results – not general advice on sleep or exercise in themselves.
The word 'fat' should be avoided when referring to children – both at home and in healthcare. Obesity is a disease, not a description of the child, and stigmatising language hinders treatment.
This works
Treatment based on the family and daily life is built upon:
- the family as the expert on their own daily life
- small changes at a time that the family can sustain over time
- regular home follow-up that shows direction, not just kilos
- collaboration between the family and the treatment team
- adapting interventions based on what the curve shows
This doesn't work
Please avoid:
- quick diets and strict meal plans for children
- blaming the child or commenting on their appearance
- prohibitions that make food even more appealing
- comparing the child with siblings or classmates
- believing that general health – such as more sleep or exercise – alone will cause weight loss
How Evira works with the family
Evira makes the family the expert on their daily life. By monitoring weight development at home over time, both the family and the therapists see what works – and what doesn't.
Home measurements
The child weighs themselves on a connected, digit-free weighing plate. The family doesn't have to focus on kilos and can instead see the direction over time.
Shared view
Both the family and the treatment team see the same curve. It becomes easier to discuss the same thing and make decisions together.
What works in everyday life?
When routines, meals or activities change, the effect is visible in the curve. The family and the therapist can jointly see what actually works.
Feedback between visits
If the curve turns upwards, the therapist can contact the family and adjust the care plan – before the next scheduled visit.
Do you work with childhood obesity in healthcare?
See how Evira helps families work on habits between visits – and how your efforts can come at the right time.