Worldwide, close to 400 million children and teens ages 5-19 were overweight in 2022, including more than 160 million living with obesity. And 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight.
In childhood, nearly all organs are at risk of complications from obesity, with short-term and long-term impacts. Children living with obesity are more likely to develop weight-related health issues in adulthood.
Our board-certified pediatricians at Rise & Shine Pediatrics are dedicated to providing children the support they need now to promote a healthier future, and that includes providing comprehensive weight management care.
A child's body mass index (BMI) on the growth chart helps us diagnose childhood obesity. When a child's BMI falls inside or above the 95th percentile on the age-and gender-appropriate standard growth chart and they’re 2 or older, we classify them as obese.
The childhood obesity rate in the United States has grown significantly in the past few decades, with a striking increase among children 5-19 years old. Obesity is an increasingly serious health issue that affects nearly one in five American children.
Most experts concur that societal factors and family lifestyle choices are the main influences on the childhood obesity epidemic, even though genetics and family history may contribute to early weight gain.
Factors that put kids at risk of developing childhood obesity include:
It can be challenging for children to maintain a healthy weight due to their community. Healthy food and meal options might not be easily accessible, or their environment might not promote exercise.
Childhood obesity can have serious health impacts that follow children into adulthood. Carrying significant excess weight during crucial developmental years vastly increases their risk of developing serious chronic medical conditions when they grow up, including:
Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart and renal disease in later life in children and teenagers. Obesity in childhood also has an impact on bone and joint health, raising the risk of osteoarthritis-related joint damage in later life.
And obesity in childhood produces chronic, low-level inflammation that can limit the immune system's capacity to fight cancer in later life.
Childhood obesity has mental and emotional health consequences in addition to physical ones. Compared with their classmates of a healthier weight, children who are obese are more likely to experience:
These mental health struggles often continue into adulthood.
With the right approach and support, your child can reverse childhood obesity. This means setting up a healthy environment and support system that promotes a healthy lifestyle for your child.
Start by working with a pediatrician to establish healthy eating patterns, finding ways to keep your child active, and reducing screen time.
Our team at Rise & Shine Pediatrics wants parents and caregivers to know that targeted lifestyle changes and support from a pediatric specialist can go a long way in promoting a healthier weight for children and teens.
If you’re concerned about your child’s weight — whether your child is overweight now or you’re seeking to prevent obesity — you can rely on our experienced team to provide comprehensive care to get your child on track and keep them there.
Call our South Plainfield, New Jersey, office or request an appointment online to schedule a visit today.
