Childhood Overweight and Obesity

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Why are overweight and obesity problems for children and teens?

In Canada, approximately 30% of children and youth are overweight or obese. Children who are overweight or obese are at risk for serious health problems as they get older, including the following:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Asthma
• Sleep apnea
• Some types of cancer

Severe obesity can cause liver problems and arthritis.

A child who is overweight or obese also may be teased or bullied about their weight, feel bad about their body, or feel isolated or alone. These feelings can interfere with a child’s ability to learn, make friends, and interact with others.

How can I tell if my child is overweight?

As children grow and develop, some weight changes are normal. It may be hard for you to tell if your child is overweight. If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether your child is overweight by calculating their body mass index (BMI). BMI is an approximate measure of body fat. It is based on your child’s height and weight.

Many websites offer calculators to help adults determine their BMI. However, you should not use these calculators to determine your child’s BMI. Children’s BMI numbers are broken into categories called “percentiles.” Percentiles allow your healthcare provider to compare your child with other children who are the same age, height, and sex. If your child’s BMI is higher than 85% of other children who are the same age, height, and sex, they are considered overweight. If your child’s BMI is higher than 97% of other children who are the same age, height, and sex, they are considered obese.

What others tests may be needed?

If your healthcare provider wants to confirm that your child’s extra weight is related to having too much body fat, they may take skinfold thickness measurements. This is done by using a special tool called a caliper to measure the thickness of the fat at certain areas of the body (for example, the back of the upper arm or next to the belly button).

If your child has other symptoms in addition to weight gain, your healthcare provider may do tests to see whether another health problem could be affecting your child’s weight.

Is my child overweight or obese because of genetics?

Genetics can play a role in childhood overweight and obesity. Children who have overweight or obese family members are at greater risk of being overweight or obese. Often, genetics work in combination with environmental and behavioral factors. This means that a child’s eating and physical activity habits are just as important as family history in determining their weight.

Could my child’s weight gain be caused by a disease or hormone imbalance, or by a medicine they are taking?

In most cases, people who have a disease or a hormone imbalance will have other symptoms in addition to weight gain.

Be sure to contact your family healthcare provider if you have noticed any changes in your child, such as fatigue, constipation, or dry skin. This information will help your healthcare provider evaluate your child’s weight gain.

Some medicines can contribute to weight gain. Your healthcare provider also will want to know about any medicine your child is taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. If your child gained weight after they began taking a medicine, contact your healthcare provider.

Will my child grow out of being overweight as they get older?

Your child probably will not grow out of being overweight unless you help them learn to make healthier choices.

Studies have shown that children who are overweight or obese are also more likely to be overweight or obese as adults.

Should I consider a weight-loss diet for my child?

Do not put your child on a weight-loss diet without contacting your healthcare provider first. Children need a certain amount of calories and nutrients to grow, learn, and develop.

What can I do to help my child who is overweight or obese?

Teach your child that proper nutrition and regular physical activity are the keys to maintaining a healthy weight. These good habits also protect against the health, social, and emotional problems that may result from being overweight or obese.

As a parent or primary caregiver, you have a lot of influence on your child. They will follow your example, so it’s important for you to be a good role model. Healthy eating and physical activity should involve the entire family, not just the child who is overweight or obese. Try not to think of the changes you’re making as a temporary “diet” or “program.” You are developing lifelong habits to improve the health of your whole family.

Here are a few tips:

• Have healthy snacks (for example, fruits like apples and bananas, and raw vegetables like carrots and celery) readily available. Don’t bring unhealthy foods into your home.
• Include plenty of low-fat proteins, vegetables, and whole grains in the meals you make.
• Avoid fast-food dining. If you do eat at a fast-food or sit-down restaurant, choose the healthiest options available.
• Limit your child’s time using a TV, computer, cell phone, or game station to no more than 1 to 2 hours a day. Set a good example by limiting your own screen time, too.
• Encourage your child to find physical activities they enjoy and get active. Aim for at least 1 hour of active play every day.
• Make physical activity part of your whole family’s lifestyle. Take a walk, go for a bike ride, or do chores together. Plan active family outings.