Myths and Facts About Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity has grown more prevalent by the decade in the United States and worldwide. In the past three decades, rates have tripled here in the US. Today, approximately 20% of children aged 2-19 meet the criteria for childhood obesity. 

Weight challenges in children and adolescents are cause for concern for children and their families. Childhood obesity increases children’s risk for various present and future chronic health conditions including type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Not to mention, health care for obesity comes at a high cost. 

Our experts at Westmed Family Healthcare in Westminster, Colorado, are dedicated to providing pediatric care to manage or prevent childhood obesity in your family. 

Board-certified family physicians Clifton Etienne, MD, Michael Cavanagh, MD, and Flora Brewington, MD, can identify contributing factors to help your child avoid health complications associated with being overweight. 

Common myths about childhood obesity

Myths about childhood obesity can blur the lines between helpful advice and actions that may harm your child’s health. Here, we examine a few of the most common.

1. Your child needs to eat less

Dietary volume may or may not be a factor in your child’s weight challenges. While lowering caloric intake may be a part of your child’s care plan, some children won’t benefit from this strategy. Other factors contributing to childhood obesity may also need addressing, including stress, hormone imbalances, and specific medications. 

In some cases, overeating is a symptom of an underlying issue such as stress or a hormone imbalance. Simply requiring your child to eat less won’t resolve these underlying problems. 

2. Your child isn’t overweight — they’re just big boned

While it’s true that some children have a larger frame than others, it’s important to consult a pediatrician or family doctor if you have concerns about your child’s weight rather than assume the former. Excessive body fat poses health risks while a naturally larger skeletal frame doesn’t, so you should confirm with a doctor which affects your child. 

3. Your child needs more exercise 

Inactivity is a risk factor for excess body fat, but this isn’t always the case with children. Physical activity is good for your child, but demanding excessive exercise to counteract obesity likely isn’t the best strategy. Our team can help you determine how much physical activity is appropriate (and safe) for your child. 

4. Your child will grow into their weight

This belief can promote inaction toward the health risks that childhood obesity poses. If your child is overweight or obese, they’re more likely to struggle with weight as an adult. Addressing these concerns during childhood or adolescence helps your child develop habits that may help them avoid obesity and obesity complications during adulthood. 

5. Your child needs to go on a diet

Dieting and skipping meals are both ineffective strategies for childhood weight management. Instead, our team can help your child develop a healthy relationship with food so they can eat well without feeling deprived. 

Examining childhood obesity facts

Now, on to the facts about childhood obesity. Let’s look at some of the most prevalent risk factors (both expected and unexpected). 

Childhood obesity rarely has just one explanation. Various psychological, socioeconomic, hormonal, genetic, and habit-related risk factors can all work together to make weight management particularly challenging for your child. Some of the most common risk factors for childhood and adolescent obesity are: 

• High-calorie eating (e.g. fast food, snacks, and baked goods)
• Physical inactivity
• Depression
• Stress
• Hormone imbalance
• Low or limited access to healthy foods due to socioeconomic status
• Some prescription medications
• A family history of obesity

Childhood obesity rates are highest within families within the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This could be due to several factors including a lack of healthy food options in low-income neighborhoods and a lack of safe spaces for children to exercise. 

Treating childhood obesity

So, how do we address childhood obesity? Our team at Westmed Family Healthcare considers your child’s personal and family medical history while making recommendations. 

We might also order blood tests to measure your child’s cholesterol, blood sugar, or specific hormones. We can then make personalized recommendations based on your child’s age, identifiable contributing factors, and any associated medical conditions. 

Our team may recommend modifications to your child’s eating habits such as reducing snacks, limiting sugary beverages, and avoiding fast food when possible. We also advise you on appropriate portion sizes for your child’s meals. 

Other recommendations may include:

• Limiting screen time
• Finding ways to incorporate exercise into your child’s routine
• Changing medications that contribute to weight challenges
• Encouraging consistent sleep
• Helping your child focus on positive goals rather than shaming them

If you have any questions about best practices for promoting healthy eating and exercise habits, we can help. For compassionate childhood obesity care, call Westmed Family Healthcare today to book an appointment or schedule one online anytime.