Guiding Your Child Through Weight Loss

Carrying too much weight is no longer an adult problem. Up to 42% of children are classified as overweight or obese. As with adults, overweight and obesity in childhood is linked to a wide range of serious health issues, including liver and kidney dysfunction, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. On top of that, excess weight in childhood raises the risk that your child will develop heart disease in adulthood.

Here at Nova Physician Wellness Center, board-certified obesity medicine specialists Dr. Rohit Suri and Dr. Seema Chaudhary offer the highest level of care to children and adults with weight-management needs.

How can I tell if my child is overweight?

Children grow at a rapid rate, and sometimes it’s difficult for parents to know whether their children are maintaining a healthy weight or tipping the scales into an unhealthy area. It’s natural to feel concerned if you think your child may be carrying too many extra pounds, and you’re doing the right thing by taking steps to help your child.

Body mass index (BMI) is a reliable way to determine whether your child is overweight. BMI is a measure of body fatness that varies based on your child’s gender, age, height, and weight. 

For example, a 12-year-old boy who is 4’9” and weighs 110 pounds has a BMI close to 24. The ideal BMI for a male child of this age and height is close to 22. By this measure, the child is considered overweight.

Use a BMI calculator for children to determine what percentile your child is in. These calculators are available on the websites of various health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The primary BMI categories for children and adolescents are:

• Healthy weight: 5th-84th percentile
• Overweight: 85th-94th percentile
• Obese: 95th percentile or higher

How can I help my child develop healthy eating habits and maintain a healthy weight?

When it comes to childhood overweight and obesity, you’ve come to the right place. Seeking advice from a weight-management specialist is an excellent place to start. At our office, Dr. Suri and Dr. Chaudhary have extensive experience guiding families through available therapies and treatments for managing weight. 

We offer the following for children and teens:

• Nutrition counseling
• Behavioral counseling
• Patient education
• Personalized exercise programs

It’s also crucial for parents to play an active role in setting a good example for their children. If you practice healthy eating habits, your child is more likely to adopt healthy eating habits as well.

Taking your child grocery shopping and encouraging them to pick out and prepare healthy, nutritious foods bolsters our treatment plans and helps ensure your child’s success in meeting weight-management goals.

Why should I be concerned about my child’s weight?

Carrying too much weight increases the risk that your child will develop health problems later in life. Plus, being overweight impacts your child’s self-esteem and raises the risk for anxiety and depression. 

Our team at Nova Wellness Center offers a wide range of services to help families navigate management weight and fitness. We have offices in three Virginia locations: Fairfax, Ashburn, and Vienna. Call the office nearest you to schedule your appointment or use our online booking tool. The path to your child’s optimal wellness is just a click or phone call away.