Talking to Your Pediatrician

About Your Child’s Weight

It’s not really about weight

Definitions

Why are we here?BMI-what is it?

Body Mass Index=Weight(Kg)Height(M2)

Definitions

CDC Definitions of Weight Status Categories

Underweight=BMI< 5th percentile

Healthy Weight=BMI 5th to less than 85th percentile

Overweight=BMI 85th to less than 95th percentile

Obese=BMI equal to or greater than 95th percentile

Example: 10 year old boyBMI=13 is underweight (56 pounds and 55 inches)

BMI=18 is healthy weight (77.5 pounds and 55 inches)

BMI=21 is overweight (90 pounds and 55 inches)

BMI=23 is obese (99 pounds and 55 inches)

Why are we here?Childhood overweight and obesity are serious health concerns

More likely to have: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver, and asthma.

More likely to become obese adults

80% of overweight 10-15 year olds are obese at age 25.

Psychosocial RisksObese children are often targets of early social discrimination

Bullying

This stress can cause low self-esteem, which adversely effects academic and social functioning, often into adulthood

What can we do?Balance calories in and out

Stop or slow weight gain while they grow

Set a good example of healthy behaviors

Help kids stay active: be active together

Benefits of Physical ActivityStronger bones

Lower blood pressure

Reduced stress and anxiety

Increased self-esteem

Helps maintain a healthy weight

Discuss unhealthy behaviors (use 7654321)

Ask about BMI, not weight

Never use the word overweight in front of a child

Don’t assign blame

This is a family issue, not the child’s problem

How to talk about it

Ask for Help

Referral to a nutritionist

Referral for counseling: parent and/or child

Regular follow up at your doctor’s office

Referral to Stage 2 intervention