Childhood obesity is a serious and prevalent health problem, affecting about 13.7 million kids ages 2-19. The caring board-certified team at Nevada Pediatric Specialists helps children improve their health and quality of life with patient-centered obesity treatment at their offices in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada. If your child is overweight or obese, call your nearest office or book an appointment online today for expert care.
Childhood obesity is when a child or adolescent has an excessive amount of body fat. This complex health issue increases your child’s risk of many medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
The team at Nevada Pediatric Specialists screens your child for weight-related health problems during their routine well-child visits. They diagnose obesity based on body mass index (BMI). There are separate BMI charts for adults and children. If you use an online BMI calculator for your child, make sure it is the appropriate tool.
The BMI chart for children and adolescents age 2-19 classifies a BMI at or above the 85th percentile as overweight or obesity. A BMI at or above the 95th percentile is obesity (including extreme obesity), and at or above the 120ths percentile is extreme obesity.
Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than you burn. A variety of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors contribute to this complex condition. Common causes of obesity in children include:
The team at Nevada Pediatric Specialists works with you and your child to determine the specific factors that contribute to their obesity. Then, they create an individualized treatment plan to help your child achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Children with obesity are more likely to have obesity as an adult. This increases their risk for many serious health conditions, including heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Obesity during childhood also increases the risk of various health problems, including:
Children with obesity also experience low self-esteem and report a lower quality of life than children with a healthy weight.
The compassionate team at Nevada Pediatric Specialists provides personalized weight loss counseling to help your child overcome obesity and get on the path to optimal health.
Because weight loss is a complex and individualized process, they begin with a thorough assessment of your child’s medical history and lifestyle behaviors. Then, they recommend the most effective weight loss strategies.
Depending on your child’s specific needs, obesity treatment may include:
For complete care of childhood obesity, call Nevada Pediatric Specialists, or book an appointment online today.