The Bounce Program: Effective Pediatric Dieting

Creating a pediatric medical weight loss program isn’t the same as putting together a weight loss program for grown-ups. Bariatric physicians fight child obesity by putting together diet and exercise programs catered specifically to the needs of kids who are actively developing and growing.

Adult Diets Don’t Work for Kids

Children have specific nutritional needs that can’t be met by popular adult diets. Consider the popular Atkins and South Beach Diets. These diets are based on ketosis, a state in which the liver converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies that can be used by the body for energy. This type of weight loss is not healthy for children. The diets lack the complex carbohydrates and calcium that kids need for energy and healthy development. Because critical bone growth occurs between six months and 18 years of age, kids require calcium—usually in the form of dairy products.

Liquid-protein diets are often successful for adults in weight management programs. However, these types of diets can be too calorie-restrictive for kids.
Most importantly, restrictive diets prevent children from developing an understanding of balanced nutrition. Instead of focusing on short-term diets, kids in child obesity programs must learn to adopt life-long healthy eating habits.

A Kid-Friendly Solution from a Weight Loss Expert

Dr. Wendy Scinta, board-certified bariatric physician, works closely with children to provide help for obesity. Her “Bounce Program” calls for gradually removing junk food and unhealthy meals from a child’s day to day eating habits. The natural, slow approach helps children adjust to an appropriate balance of proteins, carbohydrates and “good” fats. Dr. Scinta advises parents to develop a routine of five smaller meals a day, allowing for a mild calorie deficit that doesn’t leave kids feeling hungry, and doesn’t involve counting calories.

In order to succeed, childhood obesity programs need to be easy for children and parents to understand. Dr. Scinta believes in empowering children to make appropriate decisions about weight and health. A gradual week-by-week schedule helps kids understand new eating habits and choices. By using kid-friendly terminology and concepts, Dr. Scinta helps make losing weight easy and fun for kids.