Childhood Obesity: helping without harming

By Lori S Brizee MS, RDN, LD, CDE

Lori is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist with over 35 years of experience. She works with infants, children and adolescents as well as pregnant women who have a variety of nutrition concerns in the office of Erika Beard-Irvine MD Pediatrics. 

"Obesity in Kids"
There is a lot of press about "Childhood Obesity" these days. High body weight for height (or body mass index, BMI) in kids is  concerning, since it tends to go along with many chronic health problems. But, focusing on weight tends to backfire; it just stigmatizes kids who live in larger bodies. The problem is those chronic health problems, not the weight per se. Why not focus on healthy lifestyle habits that help prevent those chronic health problems regardless of body weight?

Just talking about a child's weight--telling a child that they are overweight can have  unintended consequences! If a kid thinks that their body shape or size is “wrong” or “bad” they think that they are wrong or bad—they feel shame and develop low self esteem. Kids who are ashamed of themselves are at very high risk for depression and anxiety as well as eating disorders—Anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. These problems are far worse than having a high body weight!

If your child's weight is increasing faster than expected, or your doctor has told you that your child is overweight or obese, there are MANY THINGS YOU CAN DO WITHOUT EVER TALKING ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S WEIGHT!!!
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​​Read on for 14 Do's and Don't for dealing with weight concerns in children. These are  that can make a difference in anyone's  health. They also happen to have an impact on weight gain and growth.

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