Talking to Your Pediatrician About Your Child’s Weight It’s not really about weight
Jun 20, 2015
Talking to Your Pediatrician
About Your Child’s Weight
It’s not really about weight
Definitions
Why are we here?BMI-what is it?
Body Mass Index=Weight(Kg)Height(M2)
Definitions
CDC Definitions of Weight Status Categories
Underweight=BMI< 5th percentile
Healthy Weight=BMI 5th to less than 85th percentile
Overweight=BMI 85th to less than 95th percentile
Obese=BMI equal to or greater than 95th percentile
Example: 10 year old boyBMI=13 is underweight (56 pounds and 55 inches)
BMI=18 is healthy weight (77.5 pounds and 55 inches)
BMI=21 is overweight (90 pounds and 55 inches)
BMI=23 is obese (99 pounds and 55 inches)
Why are we here?Childhood overweight and obesity are serious health concerns
More likely to have: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver, and asthma.
More likely to become obese adults
80% of overweight 10-15 year olds are obese at age 25.
Psychosocial RisksObese children are often targets of early social discrimination
Bullying
This stress can cause low self-esteem, which adversely effects academic and social functioning, often into adulthood
What can we do?Balance calories in and out
Stop or slow weight gain while they grow
Set a good example of healthy behaviors
Help kids stay active: be active together
Benefits of Physical ActivityStronger bones
Lower blood pressure
Reduced stress and anxiety
Increased self-esteem
Helps maintain a healthy weight
Discuss unhealthy behaviors (use 7654321)
Ask about BMI, not weight
Never use the word overweight in front of a child
Don’t assign blame
This is a family issue, not the child’s problem
How to talk about it
Ask for Help
Referral to a nutritionist
Referral for counseling: parent and/or child
Regular follow up at your doctor’s office
Referral to Stage 2 intervention