Summary for HealthiNation’s Overweight Children

Hosted by Dr. Holly Atkinson, Internal Medicine

What Is Obesity?

Being overweight is the result of a caloric imbalance. This means you take in more calories than you burn. The greater the caloric imbalance, the more you will ultimately weigh. Overweight and obesity are conditions that are affecting adults and children alike at alarming rates. If left unchecked, they can lead to serious health conditions, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Today we are seeing more children being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes because of their weight problems. This condition—until recently—affected mainly adults.

Screening for Childhood Obesity

A calculation called the Body Mass Index, or BMI, measures weight levels in relation to height in both adults and children. If your child’s BMI falls between 25 and 29, he or she is considered to be overweight. A BMI of over 30 is considered obese.

Managing Healthy Weight in Children

• Emotionally Support Your Children. Let them know that you love and appreciate them, no matter what they weigh. Remember to encourage a healthy weight and lifestyle, not just being skinny.
• Try Not To Make Your Child Feel Different. Your child's success depends on gradually changing your entire family's physical activity and eating habits.
• Be a Good Role Model. Children look to their parents as their models. If you eat healthy foods, your child will too. If you exercise, they are more likely to exercise.
• Work With Your Pediatrician. With your doctor’s help, you can set the most appropriate weight target for your child. This may simply mean maintaining his or her current weight while he or she grows taller.
• Increase or Encourage Physical Activity. Children should get about 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Don't assume your child is getting enough physical activity at school. Add some form of exercise at home, such as a fast walk around the neighborhood. Also, remember to plan physical activity with the whole family in mind.
• Limit TV to Less Than 2 Hours per Day. And it's a good idea to discourage eating while watching TV.
• Plan Healthy Meals for the Entire Family. Cut down on the amount of calories and fat in your family’s diet.
• Avoid Restrictive Diets. And never give your child weight-reduction medication without a recommendation from your child's doctor.
• Make Small Changes In Everyday Habits. Encourage your child to drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables every day, and start every morning with a healthy breakfast.
• Talk To And Listen To Your Child. Knowing that you are there to listen and support them will be key to their success.

With the involvement of the entire family and your doctor, your child can achieve a healthy weight, and your whole family will be better for it.

HealthiNation offers health information for educational purposes only; this information is not meant as medical advice. Always consult your doctor about your specific health condition.