Obesity is more common in certain populations, including Hispanic and Black children, children from middle income families and those growing up in homes headed by adults with lower education levels.
What is childhood obesity?
How easy is it to diagnose the condition in children? “Actually, it’s really hard,” . “Studies show that parents, physicians and nurses have trouble looking at a child and predicting their body mass index.”
Body mass index (BMI) is a number based on the ratio between a person’s weight and height. For adults, a BMI above 25 means the person is overweight.
“For instance, measuring fat on the upper arm doesn’t work for very young children — babies and toddlers are supposed to be fat. On the other hand, I’ve learned that it is pretty normal to be able to see ribs on kids aged around 4 to around 7. If a parent is noticing an expanding waist circumference or creases or rolls in the belly, chest or back in a child over 4, then I’d be concerned.
Nutrition and Exercise
treating obesity in children and teens starts with addressing nutrition and exercise. For teenagers, she may prescribe a gradual weight-loss regimen aiming for loss of about two pounds per month.
If, despite those measures, obesity becomes worse or the child develops weight-related health problems, the doctor may recommend intensified therapy. “A comprehensive team approach may expand to include mental health support and other subspecialists as indicated,” Ravendhran says.
“Once age, BMI and the presence of multiple chronic conditions increase,” she says, “the options for treatment begin to include medications and bariatric surgery.”
Obesity Medications for Children and Teens
new medications have shown promise in trials with adolescents. Ask your child’s doctor about the best treatment options.
Bariatric Surgery for Children and Teens
Bariatric surgery is a weight loss procedure that changes the digestive system’s structure by, for example, making the stomach smaller.
How can parents support their kids’ healthy weight?
“It’s hard for parents to know what to do when there’s so much disinformation out there,” Ravendhran says. “Snacks and foods marketed for kids are high in refined and processed carbohydrates and sugar, which, over time, can take a toll on the body’s sensitivity to insulin. These foods act on the brain’s pleasure centers while suppressing the sensation of fullness.”
