What is obesity?

Obesity is generally defined as excess body weight that poses a risk to health. A child is considered obese if their body mass index (BMI) is at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex on the pediatric growth chart. Being obese during childhood increases the likelihood that a person will be obese as an adult, as well as increase the risk of obesity-related diseases. 

Symptoms of obesity 

Obesity in childhood can increase the risk of many complications. Metabolic complications include insulin resistance, pre-diabetes or diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, polycystic ovarian syndrome in girls, or fat in the liver. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, sleep apnea, worsens asthma, and bone and joint problems. Psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, disordered eating patterns, and poor body image are also more likely in children with obesity.  

Causes of obesity 

There are many causes of obesity: genetics, family history, hormones, metabolism, mental health, food intake, activity pattern, neighborhood environment, life stressors and trauma can all impact a child’s weight.  

Diagnosis and testing 

Testing can check for genetic or other medical causes of obesity as well as screen for complications. Careful review of your child’s growth patterns, physical examination, medications, other health conditions, family history and descriptions of hunger, diet, activity, sleep and mood will help providers determine what tests to order. 

Treatment for obesity 

The main treatment for obesity focuses on making behavioral changes for a healthier family lifestyle. This often involves adding more nutritious foods, reducing sugary drinks and processed foods, scheduling meals and snacks, getting enough sleep, limiting screen time, managing stress and increasing movement. Consistency of these behaviors is important for long-term success and effectiveness. 

Medication might be necessary in some cases to lower blood pressure, blood sugar and/or cholesterol. Weight loss medication and/or bariatric surgery are other treatment options for older children who do not see improvement from making lifestyle changes alone. 

Follow-up care 

Continued treatment for obesity includes care from a multidisciplinary team of medical providers, registered dieticians, exercise specialists and behavioral health experts. Frequent visits with this team will help guide your family in incorporating the necessary changes for a healthy lifestyle while allowing providers to monitor the effects and safety of any medication being taken.  

Why choose us? 

The CHOP Health and Well-Being Clinic is here with the team, tools and support your family needs to succeed at making positive changes to improve lifelong health. Our team has expertise in all facets of pediatric obesity care, including lifestyle changes, weight loss medications and bariatric surgery. We work closely with each other and with your child’s primary care providers and specialists to provide all-around care. Our team is also involved in research, with a focus on learning more about the best practices for preventing and treating childhood obesity.