Pediatricians at MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center are seeing increasing numbers of children with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol -- problems once almost unknown in kids.  

That’s because the number of overweight or obese Americans ages six to 11 has doubled, and the number of overweight or obese teens has tripled in the last 20 years.  

“In addition to being at risk for diseases, children who are overweight or obese can be bullied and suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety or depression. These conditions can possibly lead to behavior and learning problems,” says Reda W. Bassali, MD, a pediatrician with MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center.

The root cause of childhood obesity? Too much food and too little exercise.
 
Parents, Take Charge!
Childhood obesity is often related to a family’s lifestyle, so parents have to lead the way in solving the problem. 

“Don’t go into denial as many parents do,” says Dr. Bassali. “If you think your child is overweight, see a physician for an evaluation that includes measuring his or her heigh and weight and calculating his or her body mass index (BMI).”

You will also need to improve your family’s diet and exercise habits. To lose weight, both adults and children have to burn more calories than they take in.  

For children younger than seven who have no other health concerns, however, weight maintenance may be a better option that weight loss. “This allows the child to grow taller without adding pounds. Over time, the child’s BMI will drop into a normal range,” Dr. Bassali  says.

For older children, weight loss should be slow and steady, anywhere from one to four pounds a month.

Get Moving!
Here are some tips to get your kids up and going:

• If you want active children, be an active parent.    
• Limit television, video games and recreational computer time to no more than two hours a day.
• Encourage activity, not just exercise.
• Get your children to take part in organized sports, and volunteer to work with their teams.
• Make lawn and housework family affairs.
• Plan family outings around activities other than eating. 

On the Food Front 
To decrease the total number of calories you and your children eat each day:    

• Serve more fruits and vegetables, working up to five servings a day.
• Choose poultry and lean cuts of meat, and bake or frill instead of frying. 
• Buy low-fat or fat-free dairy products.  
• Limit all fats and avoid saturated and trans fats and tropical oils.
• Switch to whole-grain breads and pastas.  
• Limit the number of times you eat out, especially at fast foods restaurants.   
• Forego products that are high in sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
• Eat together as a family.  

“Even small lifestyle changes --- such as drinking water instead of soda with meals and shooting hoops after dinner – can have a positive impact on your child’s weight and health,” Dr. Bassali says.