If your child is about to burst, you should be worried. Like overweight adults, overweight children expose themselves to a lot of health problems that threaten his life and well-being. Obesity greatly reduces their quality of life and it is incumbent in parents to ensure that they are protected.

Healthy management of excess pounds in children actually begins long before they are ready to burst. However, weight loss or the restrictive dieting approach isn't the way to healthy weight management. They are still in the process of growth and development and restricting calories could be detrimental to their health. Keep in mind that any diet your child undertakes must always be under the supervision of a nutritionist or pediatrician. If you suspect that your child might weigh more than what is healthy for his height and age, you can always go online and input the figures on a BMI children's calculator. You can compare the figures you get from the normal values and will be able to determine if your child is overweight. Another method is to take your kid to the doctor who will take his or her measurements and tell you whether or not he or she is overweight. Your child's doctor can also give you advice regarding diet and the kinds of activities to engage in.

Here are more tips on how to manage your overweight child:

1. Set limits to watching TV or playing computer. You should not allow your child to spend more than an hour in front of the TV or play the whole day in the computer. This encourages your child to be lazy and lead a sedentary life. Food advertisements there, usually from fast food chains, also encourage unhealthy eating habits.

2. Let your child eat healthy. Mealtimes should be strictly observed, with all members of the family at the dining table by the time meal is served. Parents should also take the time to prepare healthy and nutritious meals for them. Limit your child's fast food intake. If they ask for a burger, it's best to make them yourself. Pack them lunch and snacks for school.

3. You should encourage your children to drink water. Don't include sodas in your grocery list. For delicious beverages, introduce them to fruit and green smoothies and freshly squeezed fruit juice.

4. Encourage reasonable eating portions and single servings. Portions should just be enough. You may need to buy smaller plates for everyone.

5. Shop healthy. Don't include chips, cakes, preservative-filled and other processed food in your grocery list. Instead, fill your ref with colorful fruits and vegetables that encourage your child to cultivate healthy eating habits. Buy milk and yogurt that is low-fat or reduced-fat.

6. Encourage family exercises. You can play Frisbee in the park, go for walks or jogs together. If they are inclined to sports, you can always encourage them to join the school's soccer or basketball teams.

7. If your child's weight keeps bourgeoning despite all your efforts, bring your child to your pediatrician. The weight gain might be caused by an underlying medical condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated.