Treatment for children with BMIs at the 95th percentile or above (obesity) Children ages 6 to 11 whose weight falls into the obesity category might be encouraged to modify their eating habits for gradual weight loss of no more than 1 pound (or about 0.5 kilogram) a month.
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What are the treatments for childhood obesity?
In certain circumstances, treatment might include medications or weight-loss surgery. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children older than 2 and adolescents whose weight falls in the overweight category be put on a weight-maintenance program to slow the progress of weight gain.
Who will diagnose my child with childhood obesity?
Your child's family doctor or pediatrician will probably make the initial diagnosis of childhood obesity. If your child has complications from being obese, you might be referred to additional specialists to help manage these complications. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
What can I do if my child is overweight or obese?
For children who are overweight or obese, their best chance of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is to start eating a healthy diet and moving more. Here are some steps you can take at home to help your child succeed: Be a role model. Choose healthy foods and active pastimes for yourself.
Is weight-loss surgery an option for adolescents with severe obesity?
Weight-loss surgery might be an option for adolescents with severe obesity, who have been unable to lose weight through lifestyle changes. However, as with any type of surgery, there are potential risks and long-term complications. Discuss the pros and cons with your child's doctor.
What doctor can diagnose obesity in children?
Preparing for your appointment. Your child's family doctor or pediatrician will probably make the initial diagnosis of childhood obesity. If your child has complications from being obese, you might be referred to additional specialists to help manage these complications.
What does BMI mean in child care?
The BMI helps indicate if your child is overweight for his or her age and height.
What does a doctor look for in a child's weight?
In addition to BMI and charting weight on the growth charts, the doctor evaluates: Your family's history of obesity and weight-related health problems, such as diabetes. Your child's eating habits. Your child's activity level. Other health conditions your child has.
What does BMI 99 mean?
BMI 99th percentile or higher — severe obesity. Because BMI doesn't consider things such as being muscular or having a larger than average body frame and because growth patterns vary greatly among children, your doctor also factors in your child's growth and development.
How much weight can a child lose in a month?
Children ages 6 to 11 whose weight falls into the obesity category might be encouraged to modify their eating habits for gradual weight loss of no more than 1 pound (or about 0.5 kilogram) a month. Older children and adolescents who have obesity or severe obesity might be encouraged to modify their eating habits to aim for weight loss of up to 2 pounds (or about 1 kilogram) a week.
How to help kids with weight?
Parents play a crucial role in helping children feel loved and in control of their weight. Take advantage of every opportunity to build your child's self-esteem. Don't be afraid to bring up the topic of health and fitness. Talk to your kids directly, openly, and without being critical or judgmental.
What are the health conditions of a child?
Your child's activity level. Other health conditions your child has. Psychosocial history, including incidences of depression, sleep disturbances, and sadness and whether your child feels isolated or alone or is the target of bullying.
Why are Americans overweight?
There are two major causes for the increased number of overweight and obese Americans: lack of physical activity and increased consumption. Leisure time for American children is largely comprised of watching television, playing video games, and computing.
How much soda should a child drink a day?
As kids are consuming less milk, kids are also gulping down the equivalent of nearly three 12-ounce cans of soda per day. High-fructose corn syrup that is used to sweeten many soft drinks is often blamed for its contribution to childhood obesity, though recent research suggests that high-fructose corn syrup gets a bad rap.
Is there a decrease in breakfast?
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, there has been a dramatic decrease in breakfast consumption. In other words, more children are starting their days without breakfast.
Is obesity a risk factor for diabetes?
The correct answer is: Type 2 diabetes. Overweight children and teens have an increased risk for developing a host of diseases and conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, respiratory illnesses, and depression. Linked to overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes is of particular concern. Type 2 diabetes historically was only seen in ...