OBESITY, CHILDHOOD

 Basic information

description

Childhood obesity means a child or teen has too much body fat. They weigh more than is healthy for their age, sex, and height. Obesity is a health risk as it can lead to many types of illnesses, disorders, and emotional and social problems. It is common in both boys and girls from ages 2 to 19.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

A child may or may not appear overweight or obese.

causes

• Eating more calories than the body uses (or burns off) over a period of time. Excess calories are stored as fat.
• Rarely, there may be a genetic or hormonal cause.

risk increases with

• Poor eating habits. May be due to eating fast food, junk food, and soda instead of eating healthy foods.
• Lack of physical activity. May be due to not being encouraged to be active by parents or schools.
• Excess time spent sitting. May be due to watching television, playing video games, or using a computer.
• Obesity in the child's parents.
• Certain other factors may add to a child's risk.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Parents should provide healthy meals for the family. A child should be taught about making healthful food choices. Make physical activity an important part of the family's lifestyle. Put limits on TV and computer time.
• Parents need to be positive role models. They should eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
• Parents should be watchful of their child's weight. The BMI (body mass index) can be used to identify weight problems in a child. BMI is a tool to evaluate the weight based on height, age, and sex. Go online to: apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi.

expected outcomes

Positive changes need to be made in eating and physical activity habits. This can result in a slow weight loss or help maintain healthy weight as a child grows. The child will have more self-esteem and fewer health risks.

possible complications

• There is more risk for being obese as an adult. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other disorders often develop.
• A child may have emotional problems, lose self-esteem, suffer depression, and be teased by peers.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your child's health care provider can assess your child for weight problems such as obesity. This is done at well-child or other office visits and may include:
  • A physical exam and a review of the child's medical history. Other medical conditions will be ruled out.
  • Growth chart. This is used to keep track of changes in your child's weight and height as they grow.
  • Calculating the child's BMI (body mass index).
  • Finding out about the child's eating and physical activity habits, and sedentary time (e.g.,TV watching).
  • Finding out about the family's medical history and the family's history of obesity.
  • Lab tests (e.g., blood or urine) in some cases.
• Treatment for childhood obesity involves behavior changes for the child and the family. The changes include eating a healthy diet, being more physically active, and a decrease in time spent on sitting activities. Treatment is based on each individual child's needs and the family's lifestyle. Rarely will treatment focus just on weight loss.
• You may be referred to other types of health care workers for special help. This could include family counseling or a dietitian for meal planning.
• For more information, visit your public library or the website for Center for Disease Control & Prevention: www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/healthyweight/children. Kids can find help at: kids.niehs.gov/weight.htm.

medications

Weight loss drugs are not usually prescribed.

activity

Work slowly toward a goal of 60 minutes (can be split up) of activity a day. Reduce TV time to 1-2 hours a day.

diet

Plan healthy meals for the entire family. For help: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture website: www.mypyramid.gov.

 notify our office if

• You are concerned about your child's weight.
• After diagnosis of childhood obesity, you have any questions, concerns, or need guidance about treatment.

Special Notes: