A parent ’s guide to healthy weight loss in children

Today, up to 30 percent of children and adolescents are considered to be overweight or obese. This “obesity epidemic” is a source of great concern to parents and caregivers alike, as these kids face an increased risk of a host of serious medical and behavioral health complications, including type 2 diabetes. We sat down with Dr. Robert Markowitz and dietitian Sharon Weston of the Boston Children’s Hospital Optimal Weight for Life (OWL) Program to help parents support their children in maintaining an optimal weight. How do I know if my child is overweight or obese? Markowitz: The best way to determine if a child is overweight or obese is to calculate body mass index (BMI), which is the ratio of weight in kilograms to height in meters squared. Many schools are now calculating BMI, or you can find BMI calculators online. A person is considered overweight with a BMI of 85-94 percent and obese with a BMI of 95 percent or above. At what age can a child be considered overweight? Markowitz: BMI is used for children over age 2. OWL sees patients from ages 2  to 20 if they are still receiving their care from a pediatrician. If my child is overweight, what do I do? Markowitz: Helping your child lose weight and get healthy typically requires a combination of improvements to your family’s diet and lifestyle. There are often other contributors that may be behavioral or emotional, which is why our program brings together a team of caregivers — physicians, nurse practitio...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Ask the Expert Health & Wellness Optimal Weight for Life (OWL) Program Source Type: news