Supporting Children in Larger Bodies

We live in a world that often defines health by the size of a person’s body. This can leave children in larger bodies vulnerable to the noise around them and put value of their body size on many other things too.

It is crucial for parents and caregivers to understand that supporting children in larger bodies is about fostering health and confidence by creating a positive food environment where children feel safe, respected, and empowered to nourish their bodies.

Why Dieting is Harmful for Children

Research consistently shows that dieting in childhood can have long-term negative effects. It can lead to:

• Disordered eating habits: Restrictive food rules can cause children to obsess over 'forbidden' foods, leading to binge-eating or secretive eating.

• Lowered self-esteem: Children may internalise (or verbalise) the belief that their body is 'wrong/bad,' fostering feelings of shame.

• Weight cycling: Repeated weight loss and regain negatively impacts the body’s metabolism and overall health.

How to Support Children in Larger Bodies

Create a Positive Food Environment

• Serve regular, balanced meals and snacks without labeling foods as 'good' or 'bad'.

• Encourage children to listen to their hunger and fullness cues.

• Enjoy family meals where food is a source of connection, not stress.

  Foster a Healthy Relationship with Movement

• Focus on fun and joyful movement — dancing, swimming, roller skating, team sports.

• Never aim activity at burning calories.

• Help children find activities they love, so movement becomes a lifelong habit, not a chore.

  Role Model Body Positivity

• Avoid making negative comments about your own body or others’ appearances.

• Celebrate what bodies can do — running, hugging, playing — rather than how they look.

• Teach children that all bodies are worthy of care and respect.

The Bigger Picture: Health at Every Size (HAES)

Embracing the Health at Every Size approach means acknowledging that health cannot be measured by weight alone. It encourages compassionate self-care, intuitive eating, and inclusive movement, all of which help children develop sustainable, health-supportive habits without the stigma of weight loss.

Supporting children in larger bodies starts with creating a safe, loving environment where they feel empowered to care for their health — not to shrink their size. By focusing on holistic well-being and positive lifestyle habits, we can raise confident, healthy kids who thrive in every way.