What is obesity? 

Obesity is when your child's body mass index (BMI), for his or her age, is 95% or higher. Your child's age, height, and weight are used to measure the BMI. 

What are the risks of obesity? 

•    Low self-esteem, being bullied, depression, or eating disorders 

•    Diabetes 

•    Heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol

•    Asthma and sleep apnea (episodes in which your child stops breathing at night) 

•    Arthritis, knee, and hip pain 

•    Gallbladder and liver disease 

•    Abnormal monthly periods and other hormone problems in girls 

•    A higher risk of obesity as an adult 

How is obesity treated?

The goal of treatment is to decrease your child's BMI and decrease his or her risk for health problems. In some cases, your child's doctor may suggest that his or her weight is maintained. As he or she grows in height, the BMI will decrease. Even a small decrease in BMI can reduce the risk for many health problems. Your child's doctor will work with you and your child to set a weight-loss goal. 

•    Meet with other doctors to help you and your child start to make lifestyle changes. Other providers may include a dietitian, physical therapist, and psychologis

•    Lifestyle changes include making healthy food choices and getting regular physical activity

•    Other treatments may be suggested by your doctor if your child is older and has medical problems caused by obesity. These treatments are used in addition to lifestyle changes to treat severe obesity. Medicine may be given to decrease the amount of fat your child's body absorbs from the food he or she eats

What eating changes can our family make? 

•    Stick to a schedule of 3 meals a day and 1 or 2 healthy snacks. Meals and snacks should be 2 to 4 hours apart. Only offer water between meals

•    Eat dinner together as a family as often as possible. Ask your child to help you prepare meals. Limit fast food and restaurant meals because they are often high in calories

•    Decrease portion sizes. Use small plates, no larger than 9 inches in diameter. Fill your child's plate half full of fruits and vegetables. Do not put serving dishes on the table. Do not make your child finish everything on his or her plate

•    Limit soda, sports drinks, and fruit juice. These sugary beverages are high in calories. Offer your child water as his or her main beverage

•    Pack healthy lunches. An example is a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread with an apple, baby carrots, and low-fat milk 

What activity changes can our family make? 

•    Encourage your child to be active for 60 minutes most days of the week. Find sports or activities that are fun for your child, such as cycling, swimming, or running. Be active with your child. Go for a walk, go bowling, or play at a park

•    Limit screen time to 1 to 2 hours each day. Do not let your child have a TV in his or her bedroom. Do not allow eating in front of a TV or computer. Turn off electronic devices at a set time each evening 

•    Help your child have a regular sleep schedule. Make sure your child gets at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Sleep schedules that are not consistent can affect your child's weight

What are other things I can do to help my child? 

•    Set small, realistic goals. An example of a small goal is to offer fruits and vegetables at every meal

•    Teach your child how to make healthy choices at school and when he or she is away from home. Praise your child when he or she makes healthy choices. Do not talk about diets or weight. Do not allow teasing in your home

•    Do not use food to reward or punish your child. Reward him or her with fun activities or social events with friends

•    Try not to bring chips, cookies, and other unhealthy foods into your home. Ask your child to help you make healthy choices while grocery shopping. Shop for healthy snacks, such as fruit, yogurt, nuts, and low-fat cheese

When should I seek immediate care? 

•    Your child has a severe headache or vision problems

•    Your child has trouble breathing during physical activity

When should I contact my child's doctor? 

•    Your child has lost interest in social activities, does not want to go to school, or seems depressed

•    Your child has signs of diabetes, such as being very hungry, very thirsty, and urinating often

•    Your child has signs of gallbladder or liver disease, such as pain in the upper abdomen

•    Your child has hip or knee pain and discomfort while walking

•    Your child has signs of sleep apnea, such as daytime sleepiness, snoring, or bed wetting

•    You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

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