Procedure - Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is one of the most prevalent medical conditions of our time, and the prevalence continues to increase at an alarming rate. Obese and overweight children are likely to stay obese as they age, making them far more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and diabetes at a younger age. They are also at an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders and certain types of cancer.

Causes of Childhood Obesity

There are many factors that can increase a child’s risk of becoming overweight:

• Diet – regularly eating foods that are high in sugar and fat, such as fast food and vending machine snacks. Sugary soft drinks and fruit juices contribute, as well.
• Lack of exercise – sedentary activities like playing video games or watching television can cause children to not burn as many calories as they should.
• Genetics – if a child’s family has a history of obesity, he or she may be more likely to put on weight, as well.

Complications of Childhood Obesity

Obesity can put a child at increased risk for a host of health complications as they age, including:

• Asthma Management
• Depression
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Metabolic syndrome
• Sleep disorders

Treatment

If your child is overweight, there are several things you can do to get things back on the right track:

• Eat meals as a family
• Make certain that your child gets enough sleep
• Provide healthy snacks
• Limit or eliminate your child’s intake of sugary drinks
• Limit “screen time” to two hours per day

Beyond that, make sure that your child sees his/her pediatrician for well-child checkups at least once per year. During these visits, your child’s doctor will calculate your child’s body mass index (BMI) and help you develop a personalized plan to ensure that your child returns to a healthy weight and maintains that healthy weight throughout his/her adolescence.