Buzz
WW, previously known as Weight Watchers, recently unveiled Kurbo, a health coaching app targeting children. While it appears to focus on weight reduction, dieting is often unsuitable for kids and may contribute to unhealthy eating behaviors. Experts recommend fostering nutritious eating and physical activity habits as a healthier alternative to dieting for managing children's weight.
The app has sparked controversy, with specialists claiming it promotes behaviors and mindsets linked to eating disorders in teenagers. If you're contemplating using this app or believe your child might be curious, here are alternative strategies to explore.
Consult your child's physician
If you're worried about your child's weight or eating habits, consult their doctor for guidance. A healthcare expert can assess whether your child requires weight management support and recommend the most suitable approach.
As per the National Institutes of Health, an effective weight management plan for children should be tailored to their age and include:
incorporates a team of professionals, such as psychologists and dietitians (while pediatrician advice is a good starting point, it shouldn’t be the sole resource)
monitors the child’s weight, growth, and overall health consistently
encourages the entire family to adopt lasting healthy eating and exercise routines
WW claims their app is inspired by a Stanford University program that uses a traffic-light system to teach kids about high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. However, unlike the app, Stanford’s program includes initial screenings, regular educational meetings, and family involvement. As Brad Stulberg notes in Outside, the app lacks these features and cannot detect disordered eating without the optional health coaching add-on.
Steer clear of dieting
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, dieting increases the risk of both eating disorders and obesity. This risk exists even if the child isn’t initially overweight, highlighting the importance of discussing concerns with a pediatrician.
Kurbo uses a traffic light system to classify foods: green for unlimited consumption (primarily fruits and vegetables), yellow for foods requiring moderation, and red for items to limit. While this method aligns with Stanford’s program, labeling foods as “good” or “bad” mirrors disordered eating patterns. This approach can lead to overeating “good” foods or viewing “bad” ones as taboo, potentially fostering unhealthy behaviors rather than promoting balanced habits.
Share meals as a family
Family meals encourage healthy eating habits and reduce the likelihood of disordered eating in children. These meals provide a chance to introduce nutritious foods and allow kids to observe others enjoying them. Structured meals also promote better eating habits for both adults and children compared to constant snacking. Additionally, mealtimes foster social connections, making them beneficial regardless of concerns about eating habits.
Encourage physical activity
Physical activity is beneficial for children’s weight management and overall health, regardless of their size. According to guidelines, kids should engage in at least an hour of daily activity, including muscle-strengthening, bone-strengthening, and vigorous aerobic exercises three times a week each.
While this might seem demanding, achieving this level of activity can be enjoyable. Sports, playground activities, or games like tag can help younger kids meet these goals. If your child isn’t currently active, there are numerous ways to start. Importantly, exercise shouldn’t be framed as a weight-loss tool or a way to “earn” food—it should simply be about fun, play, and exploring physical capabilities.
Refrain from discussing weight
Children are highly perceptive to comments about body weight, including self-critical remarks. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises listening to your child’s concerns without adding negativity and consulting a professional if needed. Healthy eating and exercise can be promoted without body shaming or criticism.
Even if your child’s size indicates a need for healthier habits, focusing on weight isn’t the most effective approach. Long-term weight loss is often unsuccessful, but adopting better habits can improve health at any size. The Health at Every Size philosophy emphasizes enjoying movement, eating intuitively, and detaching emotional baggage from food—goals that diet programs and apps like Kurbo often fail to address.
