Click To Call Overweight children are at risk of developing serious medical problems. Find helpful ways to get the entire family back on the track to good health.
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Help your child maintain a healthy weight

How do I know if my child is overweight?

A child is considered overweight if their BMI (body mass index) is at the 85th and below the 95th percentile. If the child's BMI is at or over the 95th percentile the child is considered obese.

What health risks are associated with childhood obesity?

Obesity in children can lead to a lifetime of heath problems. These problems may start early and can plague the child into adulthood. The effects of obesity include:

-high blood pressure

-high cholesterol

-insulin resistance

-type 2 diabetes

-shortness of breath

-asthma

-restless or disordered sleep patterns such as sleep apnea

-tendency to mature earlier

-liver and gall bladder disease

-depression

-heart disease

-heart failure

-stroke

How can I help my child lose the weight?

Parents with children who are considered overweight or obese often feel ashamed or defeated. However, with proper guidance, an overweight or obese child has every chance of losing and maintaining a healthy weight.

Fortunately, parents and children have numerous resources available to them. We Can! is one organization that provides opportunities for both parents and children to play a role in maintaining a healthy weight. The site provides a printable physical activity log, available here. There are other sites as well that offer ways to involve kids in their health.

Kidshealth.org covers everything from eating right to avoiding common illnesses. Their Be A Fit Kid page elaborates on the following rules to live by:

1. Eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables.

2. Drink water and milk most often.

3. Listen to your body.

4. Limit screen time.

5. Be active.

Getting involved with your child as they get fit can be the best motivation of all. Enjoy spending time talking with your kid about food choices, playing catch in the yard and planning meals together. When the whole family gets together and gets healthy- Everyone wins.


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