Kim LaMotte-Malone, M.D., F.A.A.P

Facts:

• The fastest growing population inflicted with obesity is our children
• In 2013, 23.9 million children were considered obese

In the last 30 years, childhood obesity has increased dramatically in the United States leading to devastating complications including Type 2 Diabetes.

 Obesity is defined simply as too much body fat and is clinically measured by BMI=Body Mass Index greater than the 95th percentile in children 2 years of age or older.

How does obesity affect children?

It can have many affects on a young person's body including but not limited to: 

• Heart disease
• High Cholesterol
• Hypertension.

Endocrine problems including:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Early puberty. 

Gastrointestinal problems such as:

•  Fatty liver disease
• Gallbladder disease

Skin conditions such as:

• Acne

Other issues caused can be superficial infections, bone problems and sleep disturbances.

Obesity also puts your child at risk for a whole host of Psychosocial issues including but not limited to depression, poor self-esteem, Eating Disorders, etc. 

But what is the scariest and most important, obese children are at increased risk of becoming overweight and obese adults, which creates in itself an increased risk of mortality.

Prevention Starts with Family!

Prevention of childhood obesity, as defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics, includes

• Promotion of Breast Feeding
• Set healthy eating habits for the whole family that includes: 5 servings of fruits/vegetables per day
• Kick the sugared drink habit
• Teach healthy eating tips during the times you eat out
• Start your day with a healthy breakfast
• Stop using food as a reward
• Get your family excited about proper nutrition.
• Limited TV screen time less than 2 hours/day
• Get out and play! 1 hour or more of physical activity is strongly encouraged.
• Visit your health care provide, it is imperative for physical exams, lab testing and continued support and guidance.

About Anthem Hills Pediatrics

Anthem Hills Pediatrics is a part of the WellHealth Network. To ensure their patients are healthy every Health Maintenance visit their team will measure weight, height and BMI for all children over 2 years old. They take the time to share information with their families. "We counsel on nutrition, exercise and healthier diets to achieve desired goals and make the children feel that they are part of a positive plan that will include the entire family." said Dr. Kim LaMotte-Malone