How to Fight Back Against Childhood Obesity

You’ve probably heard about the growing numbers of obesity a lot in the past few years. Although much of the news around obesity centers on adults, childhood obesity is also a serious problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18.5% of children in the United States are obese.

That means 13.7 million children are affected by obesity. While the word “epidemic” may be somewhat overused today, it’s appropriate here.

While obesity is a serious problem, there is a cure. In fact, you have many ways to help your child get back to a healthy weight. With a good doctor and weight loss specialist by your side, you can fight back against childhood obesity.

If your child is overweight or obese, come see Dr. Rohit Suri and our team at Nova Physician Wellness Center. Our doctors are dedicated to helping people live a healthy lifestyle, reach their ideal weight, and improve their overall health. Our two board-certified obesity medicine physicians use specialized care and a blend of effective and proven therapies to suit the individual needs of your child.

What is childhood obesity?

Obesity and overweight is a determination made for children who are above the normal weight for their age and height. When you take your child to the doctor for their physical, you’re typically told what percentile they fall into for weight and height. Obese children are above the 95th percentile for weight, and overweight children are above the 85th percentile.

Causes and consequences

There are some medical conditions, such as a hormone imbalance, that can cause a child to be overweight. However, most children become obese due to factors such as genetics, a lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits.

Childhood obesity has real health consequences. Obese children are more likely to develop:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Migraines
• Acid reflux
• Muscle weakness
• Fatty liver disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

The condition has also been linked to decreased self-esteem and depression. Many obese children end up dealing with health problems their whole life as they grow to become obese adults.

On pediatric weight loss

At Nova Physician Wellness Center, we specialize in pediatric weight loss — medical weight management designed specifically for children and adolescents. It’s intended to help children ages 12 and up achieve a healthy weight and improve their overall health. Dr. Suri may deploy a range of therapies and treatment methods to treat childhood obesity, including:

• Diagnostic testing
• Nutrition training — such as eating smaller portion sizes and reducing sugary drink consumption
• Behavioral counseling
• Individualized exercise programs

Pediatric weight loss can improve your child’s health and lower the health risks posed by childhood obesity.

The benefits of pediatric weight loss

Dr. Suri uses his medical expertise to yield strong weight loss results. His patients often improve in athletic performance, confidence, mental health, muscle strength, and endurance. He also focuses on helping your child gain lasting skills, educating them on how to live a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and optimal nutrition.

Are you worried about your child’s weight and the potential health risks? Call or request an appointment online at one of our three Northern Virginia offices today.