Understanding and Managing Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity, which is defined as having excess body fat above a certain Body Mass Index, is a growing concern across the globe, with rates reaching alarming levels in many countries, including the United States. In fact, as of 2023, 1 in 5 children in the U.S. are obese, with this number rising annually. If you're concerned that your child may be heading towards childhood obesity, visit the professionals at Mid Kansas Pediatric Associates, with locations in Wichita and Derby, KS.

How is Childhood Obesity Defined?

 Obesity, according to medical journals, is defined as a person who has a BMI - a Body Mass Index (which refers to a calculation reflecting one’s weight based on gender and age) at or above the 95th percentile based on the CDC’s sex-specific BMI-for-age growth charts.

Childhood obesity can have serious short-term and long-term consequences on your child's physical and emotional health. Children who carry excess weight will have a higher risk of developing one of the following medical conditions -

• High blood pressure or hypertension.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• High cholesterol.
• Asthma.
• Fatty liver disease.
• Sleep Apnea.
• Joint/Spine issues.
• Depression.
• Low self-esteem and more.

Managing Childhood Obesity

 Childhood obesity is often reflective of a family’s lifestyle choices. So, if the whole family adopts better eating habits, everyone can support each other’s goals. Consider the following -

• Encourage your child to consume a balanced diet that includes fruits, whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This can have a lifetime of positive effects on their body’s ability to heal and age well. 
• Restrict consumption of sugary drinks, fast food, processed snacks, and high-calorie desserts – any other food options that offer little to no nutritional value.
• Shoot for an hour a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Explore the activities that your child enjoys or already has an interest in, like – 
  • Sports.
  • Dancing.
  • Swimming.
  • Gymnastics.
  • Karate/Tae Kwon Do.
  • Cycling.
• Emphasize self-acceptance. This is important as it encourages your child to focus on being healthy rather than shooting for a specific weight or clothing size.

 As noted above, addressing childhood obesity with healthy lifestyle and behavioral changes is essential for fostering overall health and well-being.

Call for a Consultation with a Leading Wichita and Derby, KS, Pediatrician

 If you have questions, the pediatricians at Mid Kansas Pediatric Associates offer personalized guidance and support, which can make a huge difference for parents and children. For more information about professional support for managing childhood obesity, contact a professional staff member by calling (316) 634-2000 for East Wichita, (316) 773-3100 for West Wichita, (316) 719-2001 for Derby, or online.