I am not sure if my child is overweight. What should I do?
First contact your child’s doctor or another medical professional like your child’s school nurse. Ask him/her to determine whether your child is overweight. They can also determine if your child is at risk for medical problems. You can also calculate your child’s Body Mass Index (BMI) at this link: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/calculator.aspx. This number can help you to find out if your child is overweight.
How do I find out if my child is overweight or obese?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a useful measure to determine if your child is overweight or obese. You will need to know your child’s height and weight.
The site will tell you if your child is in the underweight, normal, overweight or obese category for his/her age. You can calculate your child’s BMI here: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/calculator.aspx
What health problems can overweight children develop?
Being overweight or obese increases the risk for health problems. These problems include high cholesterol, type II diabetes and high blood pressure. This is very true if these conditions run in your family. Being overweight can also increase the risk of depression and low self-esteem.
Won’t my child grow out of his/her weight problem?
Recent research has shown that the opposite is true. In fact, the chance a child will become an overweight adult increases with age. For example, if your child is overweight at 6-9 years old, s/he has a 55% chance of being an overweight adult. This chance increases to almost 70% if your child is overweight by 15-17 years old.
The Kids Weight Down Program offers weight loss services for child obesity. We offer these services as part of the Maimonides Infants & Children’s Hospital of Brooklyn. The Kids Weight Down Program works with overweight and obese children and teenagers, as well as their families, to help them learn healthy food and exercise habits. We guide groups and individuals with nutrition, exercise and counseling.