Who is at risk?
- Children and adolescents with a BMI above the 85th%
- Children and adolescents whose BMI increased by 3-4 units per year
What is a BMI?
Relationship between weight and height that is associated with body fat and health risk
Consequences of overweight and obesity
Overweight and obesity can lead to orthopedic, neurologic, pulmonary, endocrine short term risks and long term morbidity with cardiovascular risk factors and persistence of obesity into adulthood. Psychological impact is also of paramount importance and can include inhibition and isolation, low self esteem, distortion of body image and poor school performances
Management
A multidisciplinary team approach enhances the efficacy of treatment.
The patient will be seen by a pediatric gastroenterologist who will examine him or her; assess the possible medical causes and complications of obesity and order the appropriate tests.
The dietitian will take a thorough diet history and elaborate a specific food and exercise regimen appropriate for each case.
The psychologist will assess the existence of a behavioral etiology to the obesity, implement behavioral modifications and offer parental guidance.
Length of Treatment
6-12 months
Frequently asked Questions:
How can I know if my child is in the unhealthy range?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established guidelines to determine pediatric overweight or obesity, based on body mass index (BMI) for age and sex. A BMI greater than 85 percent of children who are the same age and same sex (boy or girl) is diagnostic of overweight. A BMI greater than 95 percent for age and sex is diagnostic of obesity.
How can I help my child to keep a healthy weight?
From an early age, children can learn to like or dislike certain foods based on what is normally eaten in the house. Some helpful advice for a healthier lifestyle would be:
- Include vegetables and fruits in every meal
- Include variety in food types consumed
- Avoid sugar-containing beverages as much as possible
- Have meals as a family
- Look at the labels and nutritional information
- Have home-made meals instead of refined and fast foods when possible
- Substitute sugar-filled and fat-filled snacks with fruit snacks
- Have your child's pediatrician involved in healthy weight monitoring
- Include the entire family in healthy lifestyle behavior
- At least 30 minutes of daily physical activity
What are the factors that cause my child to be overweight/obese?
Genetic Factors
We are learning more and more about the role that genetics plays in a child's weight. In fact, the biggest predictor of having a child with weight issues is when parents also have weight issues.
Behavioral Factors
Behaviors are thought to be an important part of the development of obesity. Eating behaviors such as large portion sizes, unhealthy food types, eating meals away from home and drinking sugar-rich beverages are some of the contributors to gaining weight. Physical activity, or lack of it, is an important factor in determining how many calories are spent or stored in the body as fat.
Environmental Factors
Children are greatly influenced by their environment and by other children. What children do at school, in daycare, in afterschool programs affects what they eat and their physical activity level.
Children are also influenced by their family habits
What other treatments may help my child reach a healthy weight?
If your child is 12 or older and has obesity, we can discuss other treatment options, such as
- Weight-management medicines for children ages 12 and older
- Weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric and metabolic surgery, for teens ages 13 and older
- Exploring the psychological factors and addressing them through individual or group therapy as well as parents' guidance
Treatments such as medicines and surgery don't replace lifestyle changes as a way for your child to lose weight. These treatments work best when your child is physically active and consumes healthy foods and beverages.
Can my Child still eat snacks while on diet?
Yes of course as long as they are accounted for while always aiming for healthy alternatives
What about exercise and screen time
Encourage your child/adolescent to exercise one hour daily. It could be free play in younger children and structured activities in older ones; limit screen time for children 6 y and above to 1 to 2 hours daily.
Contact us:
Physician: Nadine Yazbeck, MD Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Tel: 01350000 extension: 7952
Nutritionist: Mrs Abir N. Barhoumi
Tel: 01350000 extension: 6410
Child Psychologist: Mrs Leyla Akouri-Dirani
Tel: 01350000 extension: 5650-1 or 01759620
