What Is Childhood Obesity?

Is my overweight child in danger?

So, what is childhood obesity? If you have an overweight child, what are the risks? For the most part, children who are excessively overweight are at risk of developing some of the same problems and health issues as adults who carry around to much weight. Obesity is present when the accumulation of fat in the body exceeds normal healthy limits.

When trying to determine if your child is obese or not, it is very important to consult your pediatric physician. A child's body is constantly changing and growing in many ways and on different levels. Your pediatric physician has been monitoring your child's growth over the years, and should also have a medical history of your family (ex. family traits & characteristics such as shortness, being tall, obesity, heart disease, asthma, etc).

Your pediatric physician can also put your child's BMI in to perspective with their weight and family history. BMI stands for body mass index. Your BMI number attempts to determine at what height and weight you are more likely to encounter health risks. The body mass index number doesn't really give you the whole picture though. You also have to consider the amount of fat in the body.

A very active child with more muscle will have a higher BMI number, but may not be a candidate for any health risks. On the other hand, a small framed child with a lower BMI number, but a very sedentary lifestyle (and too much fat in the body) may be at a higher risk to develop problems.

When asking what childhood obesity is, you have to think about the health of your child at the same. Overweight children have an increased risk of developing adult related illnesses, such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, just to name a few.

The one good thing (just to lighten the mood) about this growing problem is that you and your child still have time to turn things around. You can make the necessary changes in their diet (healthy changes, no fad diets for kids), and increase their exercise in order to get them on the right path to becoming a healthy weight.

But they will need you help and support also. Losing weight isn't easy for anyone, child or adult. But with determination and a great support system you will get there together.

Childhood Obesity Programs | Do you have an overweight toddler?

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