WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is obesity? Obesity occurs when a child weighs more than is healthy for his or her age, height, and gender. It happens over time if your child eats more calories than he burns. Obesity is diagnosed with a physical exam and measurement of body mass index (BMI). Healthcare providers use your child's height and weight to measure the BMI. A child is obese when the BMI is 95% or higher than it should be for his or her age and gender. What are the risks of obesity? Obesity can cause many health problems. Your child's healthcare provider may order tests to check for some of these problems. Some will develop in childhood. Others may occur when your child is an adult. Obesity may cause the following: - Heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
- Arthritis, knee, and hip pain
- Diabetes
- Gallbladder and liver disease
- Asthma and sleep apnea (episodes in which your child stops breathing at night)
- Abnormal monthly periods and other hormone problems (in girls)
- Low self-esteem, being bullied, depression, and eating disorders
- A higher risk of obesity as an adult
How is obesity treated? Treatment is based on your child's age, how severe his obesity is, and if he has other health problems. Your healthcare provider may suggest that your growing child maintain his body weight. As he continues to grow, his BMI will decrease. Even a small decrease in BMI can reduce the risk for many health problems. - Lifestyle changes are the first step in treating obesity. These include making healthy food choices and getting regular physical activity.
- Other treatments may be suggested by your healthcare provider if your child is older and has medical problems caused by obesity. These treatments are used in addition to lifestyle changes to treat severe obesity. Medicine may be given to decrease the amount of fat your child's body absorbs from the food he eats.
What eating changes can our family make? - Stick to a schedule of 3 meals a day and 1 or 2 healthy snacks. Meals and snacks should be 2 to 4 hours apart. Only offer water between meals. Eat meals at the table.
- Eat dinner together as a family as often as possible. Ask your child to help you prepare meals. Limit fast food and restaurant meals because they are often high in calories.
- Reduce portion sizes. Use small plates, no larger than 9 inches in diameter. Fill your child's plate half full of fruits and vegetables. Do not put serving dishes on the table. Do not make your child finish everything on his plate.
- Limit soda, sports drinks, and fruit juice. These sugary beverages are high in calories. Offer your child water as his main beverage.
- Pack healthy lunches. An example is a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread with an apple, baby carrots, and low-fat milk.
What activity changes can our family make? - Encourage your child to be active for 60 minutes most days of the week. Find sports or activities that are fun for your child, such as cycling, swimming, or running. Also be active with your child. Go for a walk, go bowling, or play at a park.
- Limit TV, video games, and computer time to 1 to 2 hours each day. Do not let your child have a TV in his bedroom. Do not allow eating in front of a TV or computer. Turn off electronic devices at a set time each evening.
- Enforce a regular bedtime. Make sure your child gets at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Sleep schedules that are not consistent can affect your child's weight.
What are other things I can do to help my child? Think of yourself as a role model for your child and do the following: - Set small goals, and work on 1 or 2 goals at a time. An example of a small goal is to offer fruits and vegetables at every meal. Aim for progress, not perfection.
- Teach your child how to make healthy choices at school and when he is away from home. Praise your child when he makes healthy choices. Do not talk about diets or weight. Do not allow teasing in your home.
- Do not use food to reward or punish your child. Reward him with fun activities or social events with friends.
- Try not to bring chips, cookies, and other unhealthy foods into your home. Shop for healthy snacks such as fruit, yogurt, nuts, and low-fat cheese.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your child has a severe headache or vision problems.
When should I contact my child's healthcare provider? - Your child has signs of gallbladder or liver disease, such as pain in his upper abdomen.
- Your child has hip or knee pain and discomfort while walking.
- Your child has signs of diabetes, such as being very hungry, very thirsty, and urinating often.
- Your child has lost interest in social activities, does not want to go to school, or seems depressed.
- Your child has trouble breathing during physical activity.
- Your child has signs of sleep apnea, such as daytime sleepiness, snoring, or bed wetting.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
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