Childhood Obesity: Risks & Management

One-third of American children and adolescents are overweight or obese, and this alarming trend has healthcare providers raising red flags. Because obesity increases a child’s risk for poor health later in life, the disease threatens the happy and healthy kids we all hope to raise. The good news? Understanding the facts, health risks and preventive measures can help manage this growing issue.

The Facts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14.7 million children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese. Obesity affects 12.7% of children who are 2-5 years old, meaning they are overweight before they even enter kindergarten. The prevalence of obesity jumps to 20.7% among children ages 6-11 and increases to 22.3% among adolescents ages 12-19 years.

Health Risks of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity puts a lot on the line. From high blood pressure and cholesterol to Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea, it can cause kids to develop adult health issues. Equally concerning is the risk of developing low self-esteem and depression.

Managing Childhood Obesity

If you’re concerned about an overweight or obese kid in your life, don’t give up. Some simple changes can make a big impact.

Change the Discussion

When talking with a child or adolescent about weight-related issues, be thoughtful. Avoid using labels like “fat” and “obese.” These words have negative meanings and can worsen feelings of depression or low self-esteem.

It’s also important to remind kids that being healthy is not about going on a diet. Instead, emphasize the importance of permanent lifestyle changes that are gradual and take time. Once you’ve laid the groundwork, spend some time evaluating everyday behaviors. What are they doing right? What should they consider doing differently? Asking these questions can shed light on problem areas and help identify important opportunities for change.

Mix Up the Routine

Getting healthy isn’t just about cutting things out. In fact, when it comes to sleep and activity, the focus is often on getting more of these feel-good staples. To get started, create a sleep schedule that allows for adequate rest, and identify fun activities that encourage more daily activities.

On the flip side, getting healthy sometimes requires restriction. Limiting sugary beverages is a good goal because these beverages have high calorie counts and can cause sugar crashes that zap energy. Limiting screen time is also important. Not only does screen time disrupt sleep, but it can also lead to mindless snacking and lethargy.

When to Call the Doctor

If you’ve tried several strategies without success, the pediatricians at Meritas Health Pediatrics can help figure out if there is an underlying medical condition.

Find a Meritas Health pediatrician.

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Mallory Krahn

Mallory Krahn, MD, a pediatrician with Meritas Health Pediatrics, earned her medical degree from the University of Kansas and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Iowa. She seeks to partner and grow with families through relationship-building, so children can stay strong and healthy. She enjoys the variety of pediatric medicine and has a special interest in adolescents and helping them work through their unique challenges. She also provides newborn care, sports physicals and well-child checkups, along with treatment for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, asthma and depression. In her free time, she enjoys backpacking, walking her dogs and cooking new recipes with her husband.