You’ve taken your children to see their health care professional and received the news that one of them meets the criteria for being obese. What does that mean? And what do you and your family need to consider?
Obesity is one of the most common diseases among children in the U.S. New findings show that “baby fat” doesn’t routinely melt away as children grow. Those extra pounds from childhood can start kids on the path toward health problems that once were only seen as adult issues. Being overweight is a risk factor for several types of cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis.
Add teasing and bullying that obese kids are frequently subjected to by their peers, and the result can be a loss of self-esteem and increase their risk of depression and anxiety.
Factors beyond food
Obesity is a complex disease involving more than choices about food. Genetics, environmental factors and socioeconomic influences all play a role. Social determinants of health can make prevention and treatment of obesity even more challenging.
For example, a child who lives in a neighborhood that doesn’t have safe playgrounds, parks or a full-service grocery store is at higher risk of obesity than a child living in a community with safe play spaces and easy access to healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.
How parents can help
Changing your child’s eating habits and physical activity level is a good place to start.
The first step is to have an open conversation with your child’s primary care provider, who can discuss a treatment plan based on your child’s age and whether there are other medical conditions that need to be considered. Your health care team also can recommend a range of resources for your child and the whole family. Many of these are free or low cost.