11 Sep September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

1 in 5 children in the United States is obese.

What is the Definition of Childhood Obesity?

Childhood Obesity is defined by the Body Mass Index (BMI).

• BMI in children is defined differently than for adults.  BMI in children uses weight and height but it is age and gender specific.
• Adult BMI charts list a specific number, but the BMI for children is listed as a percent. Th percent indicates the child’s BMI in relation to the BMIs of other children of the same age and gender.
• Calculate your child’s BMI by using the childhood BMI calculator

Children are:

• A healthy weight if their BMI falls between the 5th and the 85th percentiles
• Overweight if their BMI is between the 85th and 95th percentiles
• Obese if their BMI is at or higher than the 95th percentile
• Calculate your child’s BMI percentile by using the childhood BMI percentile chart

What are the Consequences of Childhood Obesity?

• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Asthma
• Sleep apnea
• Joint problems
• Fatty liver disease
• Gallstones
• Acid reflux
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bullying

Obese Children are more likely to become Obese Adults. Addressing Childhood Obesity starts at Home.

Be a role model:

• Eat fruits and vegetables at each meal and substitute fruits and vegetables as snacks
• Eliminate all beverages from the home and drink only water and/or low-fat milk
• Be active as a family

If you would like more information about gastrointestinal (GI) digestive disorders and nutrition in children, please contact Dr. Mona Dave’s Frisco Office or Request Appointment Here.