NPR新聞:減肥要從娃娃抓起（3/3）

The last thing a parent wants is to saddle a child with a self-image problem or eating disorder. So instead, Zedeck encourages parents to tell their child that the whole family could stand to be healthier, and the program is something they can do together. Thea Runyan, the health coach, says often, though, there are plenty of clues that a child actually wants help. For example, Gabriel asked his mom if he was fat. Other kids complain they can't keep up during soccer or basketball. But Runyan says parents, out of embarrassment or nervousness or their own issues with weight or food, can dismiss the problem. "I think what happens when this issue comes up at home is the parent is quick to say, oh no, nothing's wrong, everything's fine, you're wonderful, I love you; instead of listening and saying OK, they're actually asking for help." The program here at Stanford has an enviable success rate. Since 1999, about 80% of the kids who've finished have achieved their body weight goals. Although most of the families here were referred by a pediatrician, health insurers won't pay for it. Instead, the costs are largely covered by grants for low-income families, while others pay out of pocket. For Gabriel, he says being with other kids who are overweight and trying to get healthier has kept him going. "It's not like I'm the only person in the world. I know there are other people out there like me." For tweens and teens who are still growing, the goal is not to shed pounds, but to maintain a healthy weight. Gabriel is closing in on his health goals. His weight is staying about the same, but he's growing taller - and clearly, growing into himself. For NPR News, I'm Sarah Varney.