Childhood Obesity Specialist

What is childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity occurs when a child weighs more than their ideal body weight. Obesity in kids and teens is classified as having a body mass index (BMI) that’s at or above the 95th percentile for their age and gender group. 

Childhood obesity can negatively affect your child’s health, disease risks, and self-esteem. Treatment with the Cool Kidz Pediatrics team helps kids and teens achieve their ideal weight.

What can contribute to childhood obesity?

There’s no one cause that contributes to childhood obesity, as numerous lifestyle and genetic factors put your child at risk of becoming overweight or obese. Examples include:

• Low physical activity
• Poor dietary habits
• Genetic factors
• Stress, depression, or anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Certain medical problems or injuries
• Eating out often
• Insufficient sleep
• Chronic stress

Childhood obesity can happen to any child. Treatment with the Cool Kidz Pediatrics team can help your child gradually move toward a healthy weight.

How does my child’s provider diagnose childhood obesity?

To diagnose childhood obesity and develop a treatment plan, your child’s Cool Kidz Pediatrics provider checks their height, weight, blood pressure, and other vital signs. They calculate your child’s BMI to determine if their current body weight and height equal normal weight, overweight, or childhood obesity.

The Cool Kidz Pediatrics team completes a comprehensive physical examination and might recommend your child undergo a blood test, psychiatric evaluation, or another diagnostic testing to detect physical or mental health problems that can occur with childhood obesity.

What are my child’s obesity treatment options?

Cool Kidz Pediatrics providers personalize childhood obesity treatments based on your child’s unique needs. They might recommend:

• Dietary changes
• Custom meal and menu plans
• Meal replacement shakes
• Increased physical activity
• Other lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Treating underlying medical problems

Weight loss in growing children can be challenging, as getting adequate nutrition is crucial for proper growth and development in kids. In younger children, your pediatrician might encourage them to simply maintain their current weight over time as they grow to reduce obesity.

Don’t let your child live with debilitating childhood obesity when help is within reach. Schedule an appointment with Cool Kidz Pediatrics over the phone or online today.