Childhood obesity and being overweight are very common issues today. This condition affects both children and adolescents during key developmental years, leading to health problems earlier in life and increasing the likelihood of being overweight or obese in adulthood, affecting not only their physical health but also their self-esteem.
What Is Childhood Obesity?Since children’s bodies naturally vary a great deal during development, parents may find themselves wondering exactly what childhood obesity is.
To help identify this, during a child’s regular pediatric checkups, the doctor tracks body mass index (BMI), which helps determine whether the child is underweight, at a healthy weight, or overweight.
BMI is calculated using the child’s height and weight. Based on established growth charts, the pediatrician can determine whether the child falls within a healthy range or a risk range.
Children in the 85th percentile or above are already considered to be in the obesity category, so it’s important to talk with the pediatrician about steps to address this.
Types of Childhood ObesityIt’s also worth understanding the different types of childhood obesity:
- Nutritional obesity. This is the most common type in children and is related to their lifestyle habits.
- Endogenous obesity. This type has an organic cause and results from other underlying medical conditions.
What Are the Main Causes of Childhood Obesity?As a chronic condition, childhood obesity puts children at risk for health problems in the short, medium, or long term.
The causes of childhood obesity involve a combination of factors, ranging from individual, family, and social influences to genetics, nutrition, and physical activity.
However, a sedentary lifestyle and excessive calorie intake from food or drinks are among the leading causes.
It’s also important to understand that psychological factors, such as stress, whether the child’s own stress or that within the family, can increase the risk of obesity; children, just like adults, can turn to food as a way of coping with problems or emotions.
Another, less common factor that can contribute to childhood obesity is the use of certain medications for other conditions, such as prednisone or lithium.
How Is Childhood Obesity Treated?The best approach for any child is to try to prevent disproportionate weight gain in the first place. Parents play a key, formative role in this; setting a good example through healthy eating, encouraging physical activity or sports, ensuring good sleep, and keeping up with regular pediatric checkups all make a real difference for the child.
If a child already has obesity, the treatment recommended by the pediatrician will depend on several factors, including how much weight needs to be lost, the child’s age, and the presence of any other underlying conditions.
It’s also important to manage the pace of weight loss carefully, as it’s not recommended that a child lose more than half a kilogram (about 1 pound) per month.
Healthy eating and appropriate physical activity are the primary changes a child with obesity will need to make, though depending on the specific case, medication may be recommended, and in extreme cases, surgery.
At ABC Medical Center’s Pediatrics Center, we can provide you with specialized care and address all aspects of childhood obesity. Contact us!
