Obesity
Understanding Obesity
Obesity in children is a condition characterized by excess body fat that negatively impacts a child’s health and well-being. It is typically assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile for children and adolescents. Obesity can lead to numerous health issues, both immediately and later in life, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and emotional problems. Contributing factors often include genetics, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and environmental influences.
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If you observe these signs and symptoms in your child and are concerned about obesity, it is important to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare professional. Scheduling an appointment with us can help in obtaining a proper diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan to manage your child’s weight and improve their overall health and well-being.
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Chronic Conditions
Recognizing Symptoms of Obesity
You might notice several signs in your child that could indicate obesity:
- Excess Body Fat: Noticeable accumulation of body fat, particularly around the abdomen, that may be visually evident.
- Increased BMI: A BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children and adolescents of the same age and sex, indicating obesity.
- Difficulty with Physical Activity: Challenges in participating in physical activities due to fatigue, breathlessness, or discomfort.
- Joint Pain: Complaints of pain in the knees, hips, or lower back, which may be due to the added stress on these areas.
- Emotional and Social Issues: Low self-esteem, bullying, social isolation, or depression, often resulting from body image concerns.
- Health Problems: Early signs of related health conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, or signs of insulin resistance (e.g., dark, velvety patches of skin known as acanthosis nigricans).
