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.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

External Resources

Childhood Obesity - Find out more about overeating and weight problems in children and how to deal with them.

KidSource Online: Childhood Obesity - An article that helps to determine obesity in children. Also describes causes as well as possible treatments and prevention.

Pediatric Obesity--Helping Parents Raise Healthy Children - Free site featuring the Traffic Light Diet, links to Dr. John La Puma's recipes and resources, and current medical research on treating and preventing pediatric obesity.

Kartini Clinic - Oregon - Center serves only children and adolescents (ages 6 - 16) who suffer from eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorders. Includes information on the person the clinic is name after, eating disorders, staff, physicians, map, calendar, related links, and childhood obesity.

Freiburg Intervention Trial for Obese Children (FITOC) - Inhalte und Ziele des interdisziplinären Behandlungsprogramms zur Versorgung übergewichtiger Kinder werden vorgestellt. Neben Kontaktadressen ist eine Literatur- und Publikationsliste vorhanden, den beteiligten Multiplikatoren wird eine passwordgeschützte Plattform zum Austausch angeboten.

British to Fight Obesity in Kids - "Proposals include curbing TV ads aimed at children, raising concerns for firms like Coca-Cola." [Atlanta Journal-Constitution]

McDonald's and Coke Fund Healthy Eating Drive - The latest scheme is designed to reduce obesity among children. [Guardian]

Your Health -- New growth charts help parents, doctors target obesity in children - [CNN]

Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children - Obesity prevention effort with an emphasis on evaluation; its focus is on children aged three to five years. Includes mission, news, events, and resources.

T.E.A.M. Club - 11 month program for obese children ages 6-9 that focuses on fitness, nutrition and psychology.

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