Many of the healthy behaviours that prevent obesity
are also used as treatment. Depending on your child’s age and co-existing
medical conditions, treatment for childhood obesity typically focuses on
dietary changes and improvements in physical activity levels. In more advanced
cases, medications or weight-loss surgery may be recommended.
are also used as treatment. Depending on your child’s age and co-existing
medical conditions, treatment for childhood obesity typically focuses on
dietary changes and improvements in physical activity levels. In more advanced
cases, medications or weight-loss surgery may be recommended.
For children under age 7 with no other health
concerns, treatment usually focuses on weight maintenance rather than loss,
which allows the child to essentially “grow into” their weight, adding inches
in height but not pounds. The result: Their BMI will drop into a healthier
range. For children older than age 7, weight loss may be recommended,
particularly if the child has developed a weight-related health issue. As in
adult weight loss, children should aim for slow, steady weight loss of anywhere
from one pound a week to one pound a month. Your doctor will help you and your
child set a goal.
concerns, treatment usually focuses on weight maintenance rather than loss,
which allows the child to essentially “grow into” their weight, adding inches
in height but not pounds. The result: Their BMI will drop into a healthier
range. For children older than age 7, weight loss may be recommended,
particularly if the child has developed a weight-related health issue. As in
adult weight loss, children should aim for slow, steady weight loss of anywhere
from one pound a week to one pound a month. Your doctor will help you and your
child set a goal.
In the case of severe obesity, some adolescents may
benefit from weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) when traditional weight
loss methods have failed. Many doctors will only recommend this option if your
child’s weight poses a greater threat to his or her health than the potential
risks of surgery. Long-term effects of weight loss surgery on a child’s future
growth and development remain largely unknown, and any type of surgery carries
potential risks. It also does not guarantee weight loss. Be sure to surround
yourself with a team of experts, including a paediatric bariatric surgeon, a
paediatric endocrinologist, a psychologist and a nutritionist, if you are
considering this option.
benefit from weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) when traditional weight
loss methods have failed. Many doctors will only recommend this option if your
child’s weight poses a greater threat to his or her health than the potential
risks of surgery. Long-term effects of weight loss surgery on a child’s future
growth and development remain largely unknown, and any type of surgery carries
potential risks. It also does not guarantee weight loss. Be sure to surround
yourself with a team of experts, including a paediatric bariatric surgeon, a
paediatric endocrinologist, a psychologist and a nutritionist, if you are
considering this option.