Turning the Tide on Childhood Obesity

Doctors usually check for obesity by using a child’s body mass index (BMI), adjusted for age and gender. If a child’s BMI is at or above the 95th percentile, it’s considered obesity. Signs may also include:

• Rapid or excessive weight gain
• Trouble keeping up with physical activity, shortness of breath
• Joint or muscle aches
• Low energy or fatigue
• Stretch marks or skin changes
• Emotional struggles like low self-esteem or social withdrawal

Sometimes, doctors will also run tests to check for related health issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or early signs of type 2 diabetes.

There’s no single cause—it’s usually a mix of factors, including:

• Eating lots of sugary drinks, fast foods, and snacks high in calories

• Too much screen time and not enough physical play

• Family genetics and lifestyle patterns

• Limited access to healthy foods or safe places to exercise

• Stress, poor sleep, or emotional eating habit

Experts are working on different ways to help children manage their weight in healthy and safe ways. These include:

• Lifestyle programs that encourage healthy eating, exercise, and behavior changes
• Behavioral therapy to help kids build confidence and address emotional eating
• Medical support, including new medications in extreme cases
• Community and school programs that make healthy foods and activities more accessible
• Team-based care with doctors, dietitians, and mental health specialists working together

Parents are role models, and the home environment makes a huge difference. Some powerful steps include:

• Serving balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• Replacing sugary drinks with water or low-fat milk
• Encouraging fun activities like bike rides, walks, or family sports
• Setting regular schedules for meals, sleep, and screen time
• Supporting their child with positivity, not pressure or shame

Schools are more than classrooms – they’re places where healthy habits can grow. Positive changes might include:

• Offering balanced, nutritious meals that fuel learning and play
• Making sure kids get daily physical activity, from PE to active recess
• Providing health educations classes on nutrition, fitness, and well-being
• Building a culture that promotes kindness, confidence, and inclusion

When schools embrace wellness, kids carry those lessons home.

Children have more power than they may realize. With encouragement, they can:

• Choose water over soda or juice
• Aim for at least 60 minutes of play or exercise a day
• Take breaks from screens to move and explore
• Stick to good sleep routines to recharge
• Believe in their ability to make healthy choices

Childhood obesity doesn’t define a child’s future. With teamwork between parents, schools, communities, and kids themselves, the story can change. Every family can create healthier routines, every school can inspire better choices, and every child can discover their strength. The journey may not be perfect, but with hope, encouragement, and love, healthier and happier futures are well within reach.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month as a time to raise awareness about preventing childhood obesity. Take a look at CDC’s tips to help families support healthy routines for kids and teens. You can also use our MyHealthfinder resources for parents on helping kids stay at a healthy weight and making healthy snack choices. And to help families get more active, check out our Move Your Way® materials for parents. 

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Childhood Nutrition Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition
• World Health Organization (WHO). Obesity and Overweight. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Obesity. Pediatrics, 2023.
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Obesity Prevention Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source
• National Institutes of Health (NIH). Helping Your Child Who Is Overweight. https://www.niddk.nih.gov

Disclaimer:
The content provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen, starting new therapies, or discontinuing existing treatments. Mention of specific practices, therapies, or organizations does not constitute an endorsement. The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect the policies or positions of any affiliated entities.