Being overweight is difficult enough for a child. Adding a low calorie diet to it can be more than just uncomfortable. Without help it could also be unhealthy.
Standard Adult Diet Rules : It's fairly simple. Calories in need to be lower than calories out. There are some foods that bought to be avoided and exercise is needed both to help with the calories and to tone the body. That's not necessarily what a child needs.
All Kids are Different : Actually, it's the same for anyone. We all have differences in metabolism, insulin amounts and so forth. Children are much the same but add on that they do not all grow at the same age. One child may have a huge growth spurt at eight and another might not until ten.
Pediatrician : The first thing that needs done for an overweight child is a complete checkup. This should probably include blood tests. Some disorders cause weight gain. The doctor can also give you information about calories needed, what the ideal weight is for the child and what physical activities are wise.
Nutritionist : A nutritionist will help you come up with a diet plan that fits all of the child's needs. The child's likes and dislikes can also be addressed. Some snack foods that are high in calories can be made in a much lower calorie version. If there are other problems either along with or causing the weight problem the food options can be made clear.
It really is in a child's best interest to have professionals take the weight problem in hand. That way the child can grow as well as get into better shape.