Childhood obesity and metabolism
Weight in children, without blame or strict diets. When sugar, fats and the liver should be checked, when a hormonal cause is considered, and where a family can start.
Who is overweight?
For children, instead of one fixed number, BMI is compared with age and sex and read on a chart. Looking at a child is not enough, and this is done by the doctor.
Why does it happen?
Most childhood obesity comes from several things together: family background, sweet drinks and high-calorie snacks, little activity, a lot of screen time and too little sleep. It is not the child’s fault, and blame does not help.
How common is a hormonal cause?
Less common than families think. A child who is overweight and growing tall well is unlikely to have a hormonal cause. These situations need more checks:
- Height growth slowing while weight rises
- Severe weight gain starting in the very first years of life
- Delayed development or a different appearance
- Purple stretch marks and high blood pressure
- Long-term use of steroid medicine
What is checked?
Obesity can affect the body already in childhood. Depending on the child’s age and weight, these may be checked:
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar and fats
- Liver enzymes for fatty liver
- Snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep
- Knee and hip pain
- Irregular periods or excess hair in teenage girls
- Mood and teasing at school
Dark, velvety skin at the back of the neck or under the arms can be a sign of insulin resistance. Take thirst and passing a lot of urine seriously and have the blood sugar checked.
Where do we start?
A plan for one child alone works less well. When the whole home changes together, the child does not feel punished. A few small steps beat a sudden change:
- Swap sweet drinks and packaged juice for water
- Eat meals together at the table
- Cut screen time and take sleep seriously
- Find an activity your child enjoys
- Keep fewer high-calorie snacks in the house
Do not start a strict diet, or weight-loss medicine or supplements, without a doctor. Some teenagers with severe obesity have other treatment options, which the doctor can discuss.
Frequently asked questions
Should I put my child on a diet?
Do not start a strict diet yourself, because a child needs enough food to grow. For many children the aim is for weight to rise more slowly, so they become better proportioned as they grow taller.
How do I talk to my child about weight?
Talk about health and habits at home, not looks or the number on the scales. Blame and comparison usually make things harder.
The first step is a calm measurement.
Talk to the support team to arrange a visit. If you have your child's earlier heights and weights, find them and bring them along.