Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Childhood Obesity

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that more than 14 million kids in the United States are obese. Childhood obesity can lead to a host of health issues, including hypertension, asthma, and type 2 diabetes, as well as contribute to lower self-esteem. The board-certified providers at AFB Pediatrics in Pasadena, TX, treat childhood obesity and will develop a plan to help your child safely and effectively lose weight and reduce the risk of weight-related health problems.

Causes of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for the child’s sex and age. There can be several different factors that contribute to obesity in kids. Some causes of childhood obesity include:

• Lack of physical activity
• Consuming excess calories
• Maintaining an unhealthy diet
• Consistently not getting enough sleep
• Family history of obesity
• Some types of medications
• Certain health conditions
• A hormone disorder

Consequences of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity can have many consequences on health. Kids who are severely overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing various health issues, including:

• Asthma
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure/hypertension
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Shortness of breath
• Sleep apnea

Treating Childhood Obesity

Treating childhood obesity by helping kids lose weight safely and effectively leads to improvements in health and reduces the risk of developing weight-related health conditions. The skilled providers at our pediatric office in Pasadena, TX, treat childhood obesity and will develop an individualized weight loss plan tailored to the needs of your child. Our providers will outline manageable steps your child can take to lose excess weight safely and healthily and achieve a lower BMI.

One of the most important components of an effective weight loss plan is developing healthy eating habits. We guide proper nutrition, maintaining a balanced diet, portion sizes, and healthy snack options so kids can begin making smart food choices.

Another important aspect of a healthy weight loss approach is exercising regularly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids engage in physical activity or exercise for a total of 60 minutes daily. That could include many different activities, such as playing in the yard at home, running around the playground, participating in P.E. class, or joining a sport.

Childhood obesity significantly increases the risk for other health issues so it is important to seek help. If your child is overweight, schedule an appointment with one of our providers to discuss developing a plan to treat childhood obesity by calling AFB Pediatrics in Pasadena, TX, at (832) 386-9200.