How should a nurse respond to a mother's concern about her child becoming obese due to weight gain during preadolescence?

Responding to a mother's concern about her child's weight gain during preadolescence by explaining that this is expected during this developmental stage provides reassurance and context. It's common for children to experience fluctuations in weight as they grow, especially during periods of rapid growth and hormonal changes associated with puberty.

At this age, children often gain weight in preparation for growth spurts, which may lead to temporary increases in body mass. This natural process is part of healthy development and does not necessarily indicate future obesity. Explaining this helps normalize the child's experience, alleviating the mother's worries while emphasizing that not all weight gain at this stage is a cause for concern.

Encouraging parents to focus on balanced nutrition and physical activity in a supportive manner is more beneficial than suggesting restrictive diets or intensive training, which might lead to negative associations with food and exercise. By providing this information, the nurse can promote overall well-being and healthy habits without unnecessary alarm.