A Specialized Obesity Medicine Program for Children and Teens
The Nova Guide to Pediatric Obesity & Adolescent Weight Management
Pediatric obesity affects roughly 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the United States, and it's rarely just about weight. This guide brings together the conditions, treatments, and questions our physicians hear most often from Northern Virginia families, so you can understand what pediatric obesity medicine involves and what a personalized treatment plan looks like for your child. Every recommendation here reflects the same evidence-based, family-centered approach used throughout our program.
We're proud to serve families across Northern Virginia and Maryland.
Seema Chaudhary, MD
Board-Certified Obesity Medicine & Preventive Medicine Physician
Dr. Seema Chaudhary is a board-certified obesity medicine physician with more than 15 years of clinical experience, recognized as one of Arlington Magazine's Top Doctors. Her practice centers on preventive, evidence-based care, helping patients and families address the root causes of obesity and related conditions rather than just the symptoms.
- Board-Certified: Obesity Medicine & Preventive Medicine
- 15+ Years of Clinical Experience
- Recognized as an Arlington Magazine Top Doctor
- Focus on Pediatric & Adolescent Weight Management
What Is Pediatric Obesity?
Pediatric obesity is a chronic medical condition, not a reflection of a child's or family's choices. It's diagnosed using age- and sex-specific growth charts rather than a single BMI cutoff, since children's bodies change as they grow. According to the
CDC, about 1 in 5 U.S. children and adolescents live with obesity today, making it one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood. Recognizing it early, and treating it as a medical condition, is one of the most effective ways to protect a child's long-term health.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Many parents assume weight gain in childhood is temporary. Without medical guidance, though, pediatric obesity can persist into adulthood and increase the risk of serious health complications. Early, medically supervised care can:
- Reduce the risk of related conditions developing during childhood
- Prevent progression toward chronic disease in adulthood
- Support healthy growth and physical development
- Build sustainable habits at the age they're easiest to establish
- Protect a child's emotional well-being and self-esteem, not just their physical health
Conditions We Treat Alongside Pediatric Obesity
Pediatric obesity rarely exists on its own. Many children who carry excess weight also develop related metabolic, hormonal, or behavioral conditions that respond well to the same coordinated, physician-led care. Below is an overview of the conditions our program addresses, each linked to a dedicated page with more detail.
Pediatric Prediabetes & Insulin Resistance
Elevated blood sugar and reduced insulin sensitivity are among the earliest metabolic changes linked to pediatric obesity. Caught early, both are highly responsive to nutrition, activity, and medical management.
Pediatric High Cholesterol
Children with obesity are more likely to develop abnormal cholesterol levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease later in life. We screen for and manage lipid levels as part of comprehensive care.
Childhood Obesity & Sleep Apnea
Excess weight can affect a child's airway during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and behavioral changes. We evaluate for sleep-related complications as part of every assessment.
PCOS and Adolescent Weight
Polycystic ovary syndrome is closely linked to weight and insulin resistance in adolescent girls. Our physicians coordinate weight management with the hormonal and reproductive health aspects of PCOS.
Emotional Eating in Children & Teens
Stress, boredom, and emotional triggers can shape a child's relationship with food. We help families recognize these patterns and build healthier coping strategies alongside medical treatment.
Pediatric Nutrition
Sound nutrition is foundational to every treatment plan. We work with families on practical, age-appropriate strategies for meals, portions, and reducing sugary drinks and processed foods.
Pediatric Obesity Medications & GLP-1 Treatment for Adolescents
For appropriate patients 12 and older, FDA-approved medications, including GLP-1 therapies, may be used alongside lifestyle treatment. Our physicians determine candidacy on an individualized basis.
Fatty Liver Disease
Pediatric obesity is a leading cause of fatty liver disease in children, a condition that's often silent but manageable with early treatment.
Our Approach to Pediatric Weight Management
Every child who comes to Nova Physician Wellness Center receives a fully individualized treatment plan built around their specific health needs, family circumstances, and goals. Depending on your child's evaluation, treatment may include nutrition education and meal planning, behavioral counseling, physical activity guidance, diagnostic testing, and, for patients 12 and older when appropriate, FDA-approved weight-loss medications. We coordinate medical care with nutrition and behavioral health services so your child receives comprehensive, whole-family support.
Why Families Choose Our Program
Families in Northern Virginia and Maryland have access to large pediatric health systems, but specialized pediatric obesity care can sometimes be difficult to access or involve long waits. Our program is designed to provide specialized obesity medicine in a convenient, community-based setting.
Pediatric-Focused Care: Your child is evaluated by a pediatrician with specialized obesity medicine training.
Obesity Medicine Expertise: Our program is part of an established obesity medicine practice with experience treating obesity as a chronic medical condition.
Multidisciplinary Support: Medical care can be coordinated with nutrition and behavioral health services.
Personalized Treatment: Every child receives an individualized treatment plan.
Long-Term Care: We focus on sustainable health improvements rather than short-term weight-loss goals.
Convenient Access: Families can receive specialized obesity care closer to home.
Family-Centered Approach:
Parents and caregivers are an important part of the treatment team.
What to Expect at Your Child's First Visit
- Medical Evaluation: A full physical exam and review of growth history.
- Health & Family History Review: Understanding risk factors specific to your child.
- Risk Assessment: Screening for weight-related conditions, including the topics covered above.
- Personalized Plan: A treatment plan built around your child's specific needs.
- Ongoing Support: Follow-up visits to track progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does Nova's pediatric obesity program treat?
Our physicians see children and adolescents across a range of ages, and we're continuing to expand that range as our pediatric obesity team grows. The best way to find the right fit for your child is to call our office. Our care team will match your family with the physician whose age range and specialty best fit your child's needs.
Is pediatric obesity a serious medical condition?
Yes. Pediatric obesity is a recognized chronic disease that can increase a child's risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and fatty liver disease if left untreated.
Does insurance cover pediatric obesity treatment?
We accept most major insurance providers, including Medicare. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend verifying benefits with our office before your child's first visit.
How is your program different from my child's regular pediatrician?
Our physicians have specialized training in obesity medicine and focus specifically on evaluating and treating pediatric obesity and its related conditions, working alongside your child's primary care pediatrician rather than replacing that relationship.
Do you treat conditions related to pediatric obesity, like PCOS or insulin resistance?
Yes. Many children with obesity also develop related conditions such as insulin resistance, PCOS, high cholesterol, or fatty liver disease, and our physicians evaluate and manage these conditions as part of comprehensive care.
How do I know if my child needs to see a specialist?
If you're concerned about your child's weight, growth pattern, or related symptoms, an evaluation with a pediatric obesity specialist can help determine whether specialized treatment is appropriate.
Will my child need medication?
Not necessarily. Many treatment plans focus on nutrition, activity, and behavioral changes alone. Medication, including GLP-1 therapies, is only considered for appropriate patients ages 12 and older when medically indicated.
Help Your Child Take the First Step Toward Better Health
Early intervention can make a lasting difference in your child's health and well-being. Our board-certified physicians are here to guide your family every step of the way.
