Maintaining Behavioural Changes

The long-term nature of obesity treatment should be emphasised and continually reinforced to children and their families. A system of support is vital if long-term weight maintenance is to be achieved.

 

  •  Review appointments will help to monitor progress and reinforce previous goals
  • If parents can praise and positively reinforce desirable changes in their child's behaviour then it is more likely that those behaviours will continue
  • Children who are encouraged to be active as part of their daily routine are more likely to continue the activity
  • Establishing family meal and snack times will encourage a more controlled pattern of eating
  • Changes which involve the whole family are more likely to be successful
  • Anticipating and learning from episodes of relapse will help to minimise their future impact
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