Concerns about overweight kids

“But its just baby-fat”, the six year-old’s mother protested, “She’ll outgrow it!” I’ll never forget that visit. This cute little girl was actually clinically obese and had been slowly creeping there for years. Her parents just could not see the problem – partly because they themselves were overweight and partly because she’s very young. When this child’s total cholesterol came back at 400 (below 200 is the desired goal!) they finally admitted there was a problem but it was a long upward climb to get them to that point.

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States, for adults and children. Lack of activity, too many fatty foods, and hectic schedules all contribute to the problem. Plus, some families are prone to being overweight. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “25-30% of all school-aged children are overweight, which puts them at risk for low self-esteem”. The Surgeon General’s Office reports that in 1999, 13% of kids, ages 6 to 11, and 14% of teens ages 12-19, were overweight.

What are the dangers of being overweight? Body image and depression for starters, but also some significant health issues: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and life-long weight problems ( 70% of overweight teens will be overweight as adults). For adults, the impact of high cholesterol and high blood pressure can lead to serious heart problems and even heart attacks.

Your pediatrician can help you determine if your child is overweight by reviewing your child’s growth (height and weight) on standard growth charts and calculating your child’s Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI 20-25 is healthy – below is underweight and above 30 is obese.

We all know that losing weight as an adult is difficult, and keeping it off long-term even more challenging. Luckily, children have growth on their sides. True diets are not necessary for the majority of overweight kids and are reserved for profoundly overweight kids and those with cholesterol or blood pressure problems. For the typical overweight child, maintaining their current weight while exercising and eating better turns a previously problematic weight into an appropriate weight as the child gets taller. In essense, kids can “grow into” their weight. If your child is profoundly overweight or you desire the help of a program or nutritionist, talk to your pediatrician for guidance.

As a parent, your job is to reassure your child as to how special he is and how much you love him. Our job, as doctors, is to tell the child that he is OK now, and will be even better and healthier as he tackles this issue. Instead of focusing on weight, we all need to help the child focus on being healthy, active and happy. I encourage families to work at this together – to increase activity together, eat better together, and watch less TV or play fewer video games together. Gradually, positive changes will occur and your child will be on a better path for lasting physical and emotional well-being. Another word to the wise: if you are overweight and don’t address your issues, your child will likely have a tough battle ahead. Set an example for your child and your chances of succeeding together increase dramatically.

This is just the tip of the iceberg – some “food for thought” which I will address again in future columns. Our goal needs to be prevention and the best way to accomplish that is to teach our children healthy habits now so that they will be healthy adults. In the meantime, let the blossoms of Spring be a new beginning for your family to start moving more, eating better, and living longer, healthier lives.

© 2005 Pediatrics Now. All rights reserved. PEDIATRICS NOW is a trademark of Pediatrics Now.

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