The State of Pediatric Obesity

Obesity affects nearly 20% of the US population aged 2-19. As healthcare professionals, we know pediatric obesity is complex. But we are also aware that if we don’t proactively treat patients with childhood obesity, they could be at risk for serious conditions later in life.

It’s crucial to understand the nuances of pediatric obesity and how we can help our patients and their families get the care they need when it is most effective.

Evaluation & Treatment of Childhood Obesity

Clinicians should screen for obesity-related health conditions. A thorough medical and family history and physical exam will help identify children who have or are at risk for developing obesity and related diseases.

To treat children with obesity, clinicians should formulate a plan that is individualized. Every treatment plan should be family-centered.

The data clearly show racial and ethnic disparities in childhood obesity. The highest rates are among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children, while lower rates are noted among non-Hispanic White children. The lowest rates are among non-Hispanic Asian children.

Healthcare professionals can address childhood obesity in minority populations by becoming more familiar with cultural and social norms. Culturally sensitive and non-stigmatizing language should always be used, emphasizing health as opposed to weight.

Studies have also shown that socioeconomic status is inversely related to pediatric obesity. Families who have limited resources are disproportionately affected by obesity.

Multi-Faceted Approach to Prevention 

While childhood obesity is complex, there are things we can do as a medical community to prevent it. School meal programs improve the quality of dietary intake. Summer meal programs ensure children eat healthily even when school is not in session. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food.

Parents are responsible for early nutrition, and that’s why it’s essential to educate them about obesity-related conditions and the lifelong health risks those conditions pose. It is vital that parents become models of healthy nutrition and function as the family’s agents of change. When families foster healthy eating patterns, such as sharing meals together, the results can change the course of obesity and set children up for wellness later in life.