Diagnosing weight problems and obes

Diagnosing weight problems and obesity in children

Overweight and obese children are at a greater risk of developing serious health problems such as:

Kids who are unhappy with their weight may also be more likely to develop eating disorders and substance abuse problems. Diagnosing and treating weight problems and obesity in children as early as possible may reduce the risk of developing these and other serious medical conditions as they get older. Whatever your children’s weight, though, let them know that you love them and that all you want to do is help them be healthy and happy.

Is your child overweight?

Children grow at different rates at different times, so it is not always easy to tell if a child is overweight. Body mass index (BMI) uses height and weight measurements to estimate how much body fat a child has, and can be used to screen for weight and obesity problems from the age of 2. However, while BMI is usually a good indicator, it is NOT a perfect measure of body fat and can be misleading in some situations. For example, BMI can be difficult to interpret during puberty when children are experiencing periods of rapid growth.

If your child registers a high BMI-for-age measurement, your health care provider may need to perform further assessments to determine if excess fat is a problem. These assessments may include skinfold thickness measurements, plus evaluations of diet, physical activity, family history, and other appropriate health screenings. The doctor may also decide to screen for some of the medical conditions that can be associated with obesity.

Calculating BMI
See the Resources section below for a BMI calculator to determine the body mass index for children between the ages of 2 to 19.

A child’s “BMI-for-age” shows how his or her BMI compares with kids of the same age. A child between the 85th and 95th percentile on the growth chart is considered at risk of overweight. A child at the 95th percentile or above is considered overweight.

Causes of weight problems and obesity in children

Understanding how children become obese or overweight in the first place is an important step toward breaking the cycle. Most cases of childhood obesity are caused by eating too much and exercising too little. Children need enough food to support healthy growth and development. But when they take in more calories than they burn throughout the day, the result is weight gain.
Many factors contribute to this growing imbalance between calories in and calories out:

Busy families are cooking less and eating out more.
Easy access to cheap, high-calorie fast food and junk food.
Food portions are bigger than they used to be, both in restaurants and at home.
Kids spend less time actively playing outside, and more time watching TV, playing video games, and sitting at the computer.
Many schools are eliminating or cutting back their physical education programs.
Myths and Truths about Weight Problems and Obesity in Children
MYTH: Childhood obesity is genetic, so there’s nothing you can do about it.
TRUTH: While a person’s genes do influence weight, they are only one small part of the equation. Although some children are more prone to gaining weight than others, that doesn’t mean they’re destined for weight problems. Most kids can maintain a healthy weight if they eat right and exercise.

MYTH: Children who are obese or overweight should be put on a diet.
TRUTH: Unless directed by your child’s doctor otherwise, the treatment for childhood obesity is not weight loss. The goal should be to slow or stop weight gain, allowing your child to grow into his or her ideal weight.

MYTH: It’s just baby fat. Children will outgrow the weight.
TRUTH: Childhood obesity doesn’t always lead to obesity in adulthood, but it does raise the risks dramatically. The majority of children who are overweight at any time during the preschool or elementary school are still overweight as they enter their teens. Most kids do not outgrow the problem.

Weight problems and obesity in children tip 1: Get the whole family involved

Healthy habits start at home. The best way to fight or prevent childhood obesity and weight problems is to get the whole family on a healthier track. Making better food choices and becoming more active will benefit everyone, regardless of weight. And with the whole family involved, it will be much easier for your overweight child to make lasting changes.

Leading by example

The most effective way to influence your child is by your own healthy example. If your children see you eating your vegetables, being active, and limiting your TV time, there’s a good chance that they will do the same. These habits will also have the happy side effect of helping you maintain a healthy weight.

What you eat: Tell your child about the healthy food you are eating, while you are eating it. You might say, “I’m eating broccoli with garlic sauce. Want a bite?”
When you cook: Cook healthily in front of your children. Better yet, give them an age-appropriate job. Tell them about what you are making and why it’s good for your body.
How you move: Exercise in some way, every day. Be authentic—do things you enjoy. Tell your kids what you’re doing, and invite them to join you.
Your free time: Avoid the television or too much computer time. Kids are much less likely to turn screens on if they are off and you are doing something they can get involved in.
Strategies for Real Life
Recognize that you have more control than you might think. You can turn off the TV and the video game. You can choose to get off the bus one stop earlier than usual and walk the rest of the way, especially when you are with your kids. You can give your family more vegetables for dinner.
Think about the immediate benefits. If reducing the risk of future heart disease seems abstract, focus on the good things that can happen right now. You won’t feel so full if you have a smaller portion or skip dessert. Going hiking with your teenager might lead to a wonderful talk that neither of you anticipated. A fruit salad tastes great and looks beautiful. Dancing or playing with your kids is lots of fun and can give you a great workout.
Make small, easy changes over time. Suggesting that family members take a run together every day will probably get you lots of eye-rolling and “no-thank-you’s.” It’s easier and more appealing to start out with some new approaches to nutrition and physical activity that the whole family is really willing to try. For example, take a walk after dinner a couple of nights a week instead of turning on the TV. And, instead of chocolate cake with frosting, enjoy sliced strawberries over angel food cake.
Source: We Can! Families Finding the Balance, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

Weight problems and obesity in children tip 2: Encourage healthy eating habits

Begin eating right today, as a family. Remember the importance of role modeling: there should be emphasis on what you do so that your child can follow. It is crucial to get the whole family in on the idea of eating healthily at home and away.

Making healthier food choices

Helping your child beat obesity begins with helping him or her forge a healthy relationship with food. You may need to make major changes to your eating lifestyle.

Eat the rainbow. Serve and encourage consumption of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. This should include red (beets, tomatoes), orange (carrots, squash), yellow (potatoes, bananas), green (lettuce, broccoli) and so on—just like eating a rainbow.
Make breakfast a priority. Children who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight or obese than those who skip the first meal of the day. Focus on healthy choices like oatmeal, fresh fruit, whole grain cereal, and low-fat milk instead of sugary cereals or toaster pastries.
Cut back on fat. Your child does need some fat to maintain good health, but these fats should come from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils. Cut way back on fast food, junk food, and sweets.
Schedule regular meal times. The majority of children like routine. If your kids know they will only get food at certain times, they will be more likely to eat what they get when they get it.
Limit dining out. If you must eat out, avoid fast food and make the healthy choices you are trying to make at home.
Weight problems and obesity in children tip 3: Be smart about snacks and sweets

Your home is where your child most likely eats the majority of his or her meals and snacks, so it is vital that your kitchen is stocked with healthy choices and treats.

Don’t ban sweets entirely. While many kids' sugar consumption exceeds healthy limits, having a no sweets rule is an invitation for cravings and overindulging when given the chance. Instead, limit the amount of cookies, candies, and baked goods your child eats and introduce fruit-based snacks and desserts instead.
Limit juice and soda. Soft drinks are loaded with sugar—“empty” calories that don’t do anything healthy for your child’s growing body. Many juices aren’t any better nutritionally. Instead of soda, offer your child sparkling water with a twist of lime or a splash of fruit juice.
Keep snacks small. Don’t turn snacks into a meal. Limit them to 100 to 150 calories.
Focus on fruit. Keep a bowl of fruit out for your children to snack on. Offer fruit as a sweet treat. Kid-friendly favorites include frozen juice bars, fruit smoothies, frozen bananas dipped in chocolate and nuts, strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream, fresh fruit added to plain yogurt, and sliced apples and peanut butter.
Snacks at home
Snacks to stock up:
Snacks to cut back:
Fresh fruit and vegetables that can be taken on the go or packed in a lunch.
Soda, sweetened lemonade, fruit punch, and fruit juice with added sugar.
Low-fat or non-fat milk and dairy products, including string cheese.
Hot dogs, fatty lunch meats, sausage, chicken nuggets.
W

Kết quả (Việt) 1:

Diagnosing weight problems and obesity in childrenOverweight and obese children are at a greater risk of developing serious health problems such as:Kids who are unhappy with their weight may also be more likely to develop eating disorders and substance abuse problems. Diagnosing and treating weight problems and obesity in children as early as possible may reduce the risk of developing these and other serious medical conditions as they get older. Whatever your children’s weight, though, let them know that you love them and that all you want to do is help them be healthy and happy.Is your child overweight?Children grow at different rates at different times, so it is not always easy to tell if a child is overweight. Body mass index (BMI) uses height and weight measurements to estimate how much body fat a child has, and can be used to screen for weight and obesity problems from the age of 2. However, while BMI is usually a good indicator, it is NOT a perfect measure of body fat and can be misleading in some situations. For example, BMI can be difficult to interpret during puberty when children are experiencing periods of rapid growth.Nếu con quý vị đăng ký một đo lường BMI tuổi cao, nhà cung cấp chăm sóc sức khỏe của bạn có thể cần phải thực hiện thêm đánh giá để xác định chất béo dư thừa là một vấn đề. Các đánh giá có thể bao gồm skinfold các phép đo độ dày, plus đánh giá chế độ ăn uống, hoạt động thể chất, gia đình lịch sử, và chiếu thích hợp sức khỏe khác. Bác sĩ cũng có thể quyết định cho một số điều kiện y tế có thể được liên kết với bệnh béo phì.Tính toán BMIXem phần tài nguyên dưới đây cho một máy tính BMI để xác định chỉ số khối cơ thể cho trẻ em tuổi từ 2-19.Một đứa trẻ "BMI-cho-tuổi" cho thấy làm thế nào BMI của mình so sánh với các trẻ em của cùng lứa tuổi. Một đứa trẻ giữa percentile điều và 95 trên biểu đồ tăng trưởng được coi là nguy cơ của thừa cân. Một đứa trẻ lúc percentile 95 hoặc hơn được coi là thừa cân.Nguyên nhân của vấn đề trọng lượng và béo phì ở trẻ emSự hiểu biết làm thế nào trẻ em trở nên béo phì hoặc thừa cân ở nơi đầu tiên là một bước quan trọng hướng tới phá vỡ chu kỳ. Hầu hết các trường hợp thời thơ ấu béo phì là do ăn quá nhiều và tập thể dục quá ít. Trẻ em cần đủ thực phẩm để hỗ trợ sự phát triển lành mạnh và phát triển. Nhưng khi họ mất nhiều calo hơn họ đốt suốt cả ngày, kết quả là tăng cân. Nhiều yếu tố đóng góp vào này ngày càng tăng sự mất cân bằng giữa calo trong và năng lượng ra:Gia đình bận rộn được nấu ăn ít và ăn uống hiểu thêm.Easy access to cheap, high-calorie fast food and junk food.Food portions are bigger than they used to be, both in restaurants and at home.Kids spend less time actively playing outside, and more time watching TV, playing video games, and sitting at the computer.Many schools are eliminating or cutting back their physical education programs.Myths and Truths about Weight Problems and Obesity in ChildrenMYTH: Childhood obesity is genetic, so there’s nothing you can do about it. TRUTH: While a person’s genes do influence weight, they are only one small part of the equation. Although some children are more prone to gaining weight than others, that doesn’t mean they’re destined for weight problems. Most kids can maintain a healthy weight if they eat right and exercise.MYTH: Children who are obese or overweight should be put on a diet. TRUTH: Unless directed by your child’s doctor otherwise, the treatment for childhood obesity is not weight loss. The goal should be to slow or stop weight gain, allowing your child to grow into his or her ideal weight.MYTH: It’s just baby fat. Children will outgrow the weight. TRUTH: Childhood obesity doesn’t always lead to obesity in adulthood, but it does raise the risks dramatically. The majority of children who are overweight at any time during the preschool or elementary school are still overweight as they enter their teens. Most kids do not outgrow the problem.Weight problems and obesity in children tip 1: Get the whole family involvedHealthy habits start at home. The best way to fight or prevent childhood obesity and weight problems is to get the whole family on a healthier track. Making better food choices and becoming more active will benefit everyone, regardless of weight. And with the whole family involved, it will be much easier for your overweight child to make lasting changes.Leading by exampleThe most effective way to influence your child is by your own healthy example. If your children see you eating your vegetables, being active, and limiting your TV time, there’s a good chance that they will do the same. These habits will also have the happy side effect of helping you maintain a healthy weight.What you eat: Tell your child about the healthy food you are eating, while you are eating it. You might say, “I’m eating broccoli with garlic sauce. Want a bite?”When you cook: Cook healthily in front of your children. Better yet, give them an age-appropriate job. Tell them about what you are making and why it’s good for your body.How you move: Exercise in some way, every day. Be authentic—do things you enjoy. Tell your kids what you’re doing, and invite them to join you.Your free time: Avoid the television or too much computer time. Kids are much less likely to turn screens on if they are off and you are doing something they can get involved in.Strategies for Real LifeRecognize that you have more control than you might think. You can turn off the TV and the video game. You can choose to get off the bus one stop earlier than usual and walk the rest of the way, especially when you are with your kids. You can give your family more vegetables for dinner.Think about the immediate benefits. If reducing the risk of future heart disease seems abstract, focus on the good things that can happen right now. You won’t feel so full if you have a smaller portion or skip dessert. Going hiking with your teenager might lead to a wonderful talk that neither of you anticipated. A fruit salad tastes great and looks beautiful. Dancing or playing with your kids is lots of fun and can give you a great workout.Make small, easy changes over time. Suggesting that family members take a run together every day will probably get you lots of eye-rolling and “no-thank-you’s.” It’s easier and more appealing to start out with some new approaches to nutrition and physical activity that the whole family is really willing to try. For example, take a walk after dinner a couple of nights a week instead of turning on the TV. And, instead of chocolate cake with frosting, enjoy sliced strawberries over angel food cake.Source: We Can! Families Finding the Balance, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human ServicesWeight problems and obesity in children tip 2: Encourage healthy eating habits
Begin eating right today, as a family. Remember the importance of role modeling: there should be emphasis on what you do so that your child can follow. It is crucial to get the whole family in on the idea of eating healthily at home and away.

Making healthier food choices

Helping your child beat obesity begins with helping him or her forge a healthy relationship with food. You may need to make major changes to your eating lifestyle.

Eat the rainbow. Serve and encourage consumption of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. This should include red (beets, tomatoes), orange (carrots, squash), yellow (potatoes, bananas), green (lettuce, broccoli) and so on—just like eating a rainbow.
Make breakfast a priority. Children who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight or obese than those who skip the first meal of the day. Focus on healthy choices like oatmeal, fresh fruit, whole grain cereal, and low-fat milk instead of sugary cereals or toaster pastries.
Cut back on fat. Your child does need some fat to maintain good health, but these fats should come from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils. Cut way back on fast food, junk food, and sweets.
Schedule regular meal times. The majority of children like routine. If your kids know they will only get food at certain times, they will be more likely to eat what they get when they get it.
Limit dining out. If you must eat out, avoid fast food and make the healthy choices you are trying to make at home.
Weight problems and obesity in children tip 3: Be smart about snacks and sweets

Your home is where your child most likely eats the majority of his or her meals and snacks, so it is vital that your kitchen is stocked with healthy choices and treats.

Don’t ban sweets entirely. While many kids' sugar consumption exceeds healthy limits, having a no sweets rule is an invitation for cravings and overindulging when given the chance. Instead, limit the amount of cookies, candies, and baked goods your child eats and introduce fruit-based snacks and desserts instead.
Limit juice and soda. Soft drinks are loaded with sugar—“empty” calories that don’t do anything healthy for your child’s growing body. Many juices aren’t any better nutritionally. Instead of soda, offer your child sparkling water with a twist of lime or a splash of fruit juice.
Keep snacks small. Don’t turn snacks into a meal. Limit them to 100 to 150 calories.
Focus on fruit. Keep a bowl of fruit out for your children to snack on. Offer fruit as a sweet treat. Kid-friendly favorites include frozen juice bars, fruit smoothies, frozen bananas dipped in chocolate and nuts, strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream, fresh fruit added to plain yogurt, and sliced apples and peanut butter.
Snacks at home
Snacks to stock up:
Snacks to cut back:
Fresh fruit and vegetables that can be taken on the go or packed in a lunch.
Soda, sweetened lemonade, fruit punch, and fruit juice with added sugar.
Low-fat or non-fat milk and dairy products, including string cheese.
Hot dogs, fatty lunch meats, sausage, chicken nuggets.
W