This post was written by Jaci Allmandinger, NP, PPG – Family Medicine and Primary Care.
A healthy weight is an essential component to a young person’s ability to live a full and active life. One that sets them up for the same in adulthood. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 children (14.7 million) ages 2-19 years have obesity. In this post, we review some of the hurdles families must overcome to achieve a healthy weight and some strategies that might help.
Risk factors
There are certain populations that are at an increased risk of developing obesity, including:
- Adolescents
- Hispanics
- Non-Hispanic black individuals
- Individuals from lower-income households
Obstacles to treatment
Treating obesity is expensive for the child’s family and the healthcare system as a whole. According to the CDC, it costs on average $116 more per person to treat a patient with obesity compared to an individual with a healthy weight. For those children with severe obesity, the cost per person increases to $310 more than the average child of healthy weight.
Strategies for treating obesity
Treatment options vary and may include:
- Therapy
- Medication
- Close follow-up care
- Surgical intervention
- A combination of these modalities
Treatment may begin as early as 2 years old when the child falls in the >94th percentile for weight. Gradual weight loss of 0.5–1 pound per week, depending on the severity and comorbidities present, may be recommended to allow for height gain without the weight gain. First line therapy is behavioral therapy and changes in diet and lifestyle. For those children who are 6 years old and falling into the >94th percentile, more aggressive therapy and closer follow-up is recommended. At age 12, after therapy, diet and lifestyle modifications have failed to result in a reduction of weight, medication may be recommended. Bariatric surgery is viewed as a last-resort option when adolescents fail to make progress with weight loss. In all instances, benefit versus risk is assessed with each individual and family specifically.
Treatment is most effective when there is a multicomponent intervention strategy used and the family and child are all actively involved in the discussion and decisions made.
Nutrition for a healthy childhood weight
Good eating habits formed during childhood can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood, such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. It is important for children to consume a variety of nutrients to support their physical and mental development. Protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamin, and minerals provide the necessary energy children need for active play, school and growth, while also supporting their immune systems and cognitive function. By providing healthy, appealing meal options, parents and caregivers can set the stage for the child’s lifelong health
Key components of a healthy diet for kids includes:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grain
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats
- Dairy or dairy alternatives
- Limited sugar
- Limited processed foods
Aim for a variety of foods and offer them in a fun and creative way to get children engaged in what they are eating. Making it fun can also encourage even the pickiest of eaters to give a new fruit or vegetable a try.
Portion sizes are another component of healthy eating. Children need smaller portions than adults. The appropriate portion sizes vary depending on the child's age, activity level and overall body composition. Generally, a closed fist is about right for a portion of pasta, rice, cereal, vegetables and fruit. The size of a palm is appropriate for a meat portion. Added fats, such as butter, mayo or salad dressing, should ideally be limited to the size of the top of the thumb.
In addition to a balanced diet and consuming the appropriate portion sizes, it is also important to encourage children to drink lots of water throughout the day. Keeping up on hydration is essential for overall health and helps support physical activity.
A good rule of thumb for daily eating is to encourage children to:
- Choose healthy options when they are hungry.
- Eat only when they are hungry.
- Only eat until they are full.
By promoting a healthy relationship with food and eating early on in life, parents and caregivers can help children develop the habits they need to grow into healthy, strong adults.
Routine follow-ups and Well Child Visits with a pediatrician or primary care provider is important to make sure your child is growing appropriately and to screen for risks of obesity. If you need help establishing care with a provider, call 877-PPG-TODAY or 877-774-8632 for assistance.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Childhood Obesity Facts.” Obesity, 2 Apr. 2024, www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood-obesity-facts/childhood-obesity-facts.html.
Herouvi, Despina, et al. “Lifestyle and Pharmacological Interventions and Treatment Indications for the Management of Obesity in Children and Adolescents.” Children (Basel), vol. 10, no. 7, 17 July 2023, pp. 1230–1230, https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071230.
