• Do you know when to be concerned about your child’s weight?

Of course, all children gain weight as they grow older. But extra pounds — more than what’s needed to support their growth and development — can lead to childhood obesity.

• Overweight and obesity definition

Overweight and obesity are defined as ”abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health”.
A child is obese if their weight is more than 20% higher than the ideal weight for a boy or girl of their age and height.

• Why does childhood overweight and obesity matter?

Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height. Childhood obesity is particularly troubling because obesity is associated with a higher chance of premature death and disability in adulthood.

• Causes of childhood obesity

• Overweight and obesity result from an energy imbalance. This involves eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity.

• Body weight is the result of genes, metabolism, culture, and socioeconomic status.

• Behavior and environment (causing decreased physical activity levels).Many kids are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer, or video-game console. And today’s busy families have fewer free moments to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals. From fast food to electronics, quick and easy is the reality for many people in the new millennium.

• Tests and diagnosis

As part of regular well-child care, the doctor calculates your child’s body mass index (BMI) and determines where it falls on the national BMI-for-age growth chart. The BMI indicates if your child is overweight for his or her age and height.
Body mass index (BMI) uses height and weight measurements to estimate how much body fat a person has. To calculate BMI, divide weight in kg by height in meters squared; for pounds and inches, divide weight by height squared and multiply the result by the conversion factor 703.

• Effects of childhood obesity

Besides the social and emotional difficulties, being overweight puts children at risk of lots of health problems during both childhood and adulthood, such as

• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• High blood pressure
• Asthma and other respiratory problems
• Sleep disorders
• Liver disease
• Early puberty or menarche
• Eating disorders
• Skin infections

• What Can Be Done?

One of the best strategies to combat excess weight in your child is to improve the diet and exercise levels of your entire family. This helps protect the health of your child now and in the future.

• Child obesity treatment

Treatment for childhood obesity is based on your child’s age and if he or she has other medical conditions. Treatment usually includes changes in your child’s diet and level of physical activity.

• Preventing childhood obesity

Parents are often their children’s most important role model. Children who see parents enjoying healthy foods and being physically active are more likely to do the same.

Help kids stay active

• Put an hour of physical activity into your child’s day.
• Limit TV and other screen time to less than two hours per day.

Encourage healthy eating habits

• Shop, cook, and plan for healthy meals.
• Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast every day.
• Sit at the table and eat together as a family.
• Know how much food to serve your child.

Promote healthy choices.

• Make sure your child gets enough sleep each night.
• Help your child understand why you are making these changes.

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