Can Kids Do Intermittent Fasting?
As intermittent fasting has become more common among adults, many parents ask:
"Could this help my child lose weight, too?"
The simple answer: No, intermittent fasting is not recommended or appropriate for children or teens.
Here’s why—and what we recommend instead to support your child’s health and confidence.
How to Support Your Child’s Health:Focus on Habits not Weight
If you're a parent wondering "How can I help my child lose weight?"—you're not alone. Childhood obesity affects nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S., and many families are unsure where to start. As a board-certified pediatrician and fellowship-trained pediatric obesity specialist, I know this can feel overwhelming, but the good news is: you're not in this alone, and lasting change is possible.
Let’s walk through a few foundational steps—grounded in compassion, not shame—that can set your child on a healthier path.
Understanding Pediatric Weight Loss Medications: A Guide for Parents
As pediatric obesity rates continue to rise, more families are looking for solutions beyond lifestyle changes alone. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging because of the underlying biological influences. While nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral changes are crucial, some children may benefit from weight-loss medications. As I tell my patients, “medication can help us make the changes that we are trying to make.” This guide will help parents get a better understanding of when medications are appropriate, how they work, their costs, and what to expect.
Understanding Pediatric Weight Management: Is it Right for Your Child?
Many people mistakenly assume that pediatric weight management is solely about weight loss. Weight is only one indicator of health. In reality, it is about overall health and well-being. For example, in some cases, the goal may not be weight loss initially but rather slowing down weight gain or stabilizing BMI to help prevent future health problems.
Pediatric weight management is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that focuses on helping children achieve and maintain a healthy weight while also promoting their overall well-being. This approach involves four key pillars:
1. Nutrition
2. Physical activity
3. Behavior changes
4. Medical management
Understanding Childhood Obesity: Causes, Risks, and How We Can Help
Childhood obesity is a complex issue that goes beyond diet and exercise. In a recent discussion at Evora for Kids, we explored the biological, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to excess weight in children. By understanding these factors, we can approach this issue with greater compassion and work towards meaningful solutions.
Teen Nutrition: Fueling Growth, Health, and Confidence
Teen years are a critical period of growth—physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting this development, yet many teens face significant challenges in maintaining a healthy diet. From skipping meals to falling for social media diet trends, adolescents are often bombarded with misinformation about what it means to eat well.
How to Talk to Kids and Teens About Weight and Health: A Compassionate Approach
Talking to kids about their weight, body image, and overall health can be a challenging topic for parents. Many caregivers worry about saying the wrong thing, causing harm, or unintentionally reinforcing negative self-image. In a recent community discussion, Lisa Tritto, MD, a pediatrician specializing in childhood weight management, and Amanda Ratz, a counselor and motivational coach, shared insights on how to approach these conversations with empathy, understanding, and a focus on long-term well-being rather than numbers on a scale.