Obesity in Children

Obesity means having too much body fat. It is different from being overweight, which means weighing too much. Both terms mean that a person's weight is greater than what is considered healthy for his or her height. Children grow at different rates, so it isn't always easy to know when a child is obese or overweight. Ask your doctor to measure your child's height and weight to determine if he or she is in a healthy range.

If a weight-loss program is necessary, involve the whole family in healthy habits so your child doesn't feel singled out. You can encourage healthy eating by serving more fruits and vegetables and buying fewer sodas and high-calorie, high-fat snack foods. Physical activity can also help your child overcome obesity or being overweight. Kids need about 60 minutes each day.

Our Children's Nutrition Center can provide nutrition counseling for obese children. We also offer a program at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital called Weigh Smart®– a “no-fault,” family-based group therapy approach to healthy living. During two-hour evening sessions over 10 weeks, small groups of overweight children and their families first meet with a nutritionist to talk about what they eat – and how much – and learn how to choose healthier foods and smaller portions. The therapy session is always paired with 60 minutes of group exercise in the hospital’s gym.