What is Childhood Obesity?

Recognizing and Treating Childhood Obesity: Early Detection and Prevention

Child obesity is a new medical issue that can afflict a significant portion of America’s youth and adolescents. Untreated, excessive weight can become a cause of life-threatening medical complications, including diabetes, heart disease, and mental complications. Dr. Aldo Bejarano at AFB Pediatrics in Pasadena, TX, takes early detection to allow for early intervention in a child’s long-term wellness.

What is Childhood Obesity?

Child obesity is an excessive level of fat in a child’s build that can impact a child’s overall wellness detrimentally. Body Mass Index (BMI) for age and gender is most commonly calculated to assess obesity in children. According to the CDC, a youth with a BMI at and above the 95th age and gender-adjusted percentile is deemed obese. Risk factors include:

• Family medical history of obesity and/or metabolic syndrome.
• A diet rich in processed foods and sugar.
• Lack of exercise and excessive television and device use.
• Stress and poor sleep interfere with metabolism and hunger.

Early Childhood Obesity Warnings

Early warnings must be detected. As kids naturally vary in shape, but with specific warnings, a weight issue can arise:

Fast Gaining and Clothes Problems

A youth who keeps growing in weight at an unprecedented level, deviating from development, and outgrowing clothes at a high level could have early obesity.

Increased Appetite and Poor Diet

Increased snacking, large portions, and using foods for comfort can reveal an unhealthy food-meal relationship.

Lack of Exercise

Spending most of your days in front of television, tablets, and gaming and not exercising can lead to excessive weight gain.

Breathing Shortage and Lethargy

Being slow in keeping pace with friends in exercise, getting winded, and not exercising can mean an issue with stamina and weight.

Joint Pain and Suffering

Excess weight strains joints, particularly in knees, hips, and ankles, and can cause aches, aches, and stiffness.

Behavior and Emotional Challenges

Childhood obesity can cause feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, fueled by concerns about one’s looks and rejection.

How Detection at an Earlier Stage Makes a Difference

Early obesity detection in kids can make a significant impact in curbing long-term disease and health consequences, such as:

• Diabetes, type 2.
• High blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.
• Sleep apnea.
• Mobility and complications with joints.

Early intervention enables personalized improvements in one’s life, healthy meal planning, and additional exercise to build a strong platform for a healthy future.

Make a Difference for a Healthier Childhood

Are you worried about your child’s development and weight? Dr. Aldo Bejarano and the staff at AFB Pediatrics in Pasadena, TX, can help your family implement a personalized wellness plan for your child’s overall well-being. Call (832) 386-9200 to make an appointment or book one through our website. Don’t procrastinate; take proactive actions for your child’s future happiness and well-being.