Return
Are Adult Diets OK for Kids, Too?
I’ve had a lot of success losing weight with a low-carb diet. My daughter is really struggling with her own weight issues. Is it OK to put her on the diet that I’m on?
– Susan
It's great that you've made a commitment to lose weight — and had success with a plan that works for you. But it's not a good idea to put kids on diets that are designed for adults.
Kids have different nutritional requirements — as they grow, they need certain nutrients and vitamins to develop well and undergo the changes associated with puberty.
If you're concerned about your daughter's weight, talk with your doctor, who can determine if she has a weight problem and tailor a plan to meet her specific needs.
And try to make a healthy lifestyle a family affair. Eat family meals together and find activities that all of you can enjoy, from bike rides, to hikes, to pre-meal games of capture the flag. When parents approach healthy food and exercise as the norm in their household, kids adopt that vision of normal too!
For more information, check out these articles:
Kids and Exercise
Body Mass Index (BMI) Charts
Reviewed by: Email us.
We regret that we can't reply to any email inquiry. Although we can't reply personally, you may see your question posted to this page in the future. If you're looking for medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment, consult your doctor or other qualified medical professional.If this is an emergency, contact emergency services in your area.