Obesity in Children

What is obesity in children?

Childhood obesity is a medical condition where a child carries excess body fat that may negatively affect their health or well-being. It is often assessed using BMI percentiles adjusted for age and sex.

How common is obesity in children?

Obesity in children is increasingly common. In the UK, approximately 10% of children aged 4-5 and 20% of children aged 10-11 are classified as obese.

Is childhood obesity serious?

Yes. Childhood obesity can lead to immediate health problems and increase the risk of developing serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues later in life.

When and how to get help with obesity in children

If you notice significant weight gain in your child or concerns about their health, seek advice from your GP or a paediatric specialist early to address it sensitively.

How to know if your child is obese

• A BMI above the 95th percentile for their age and sex
  
• Noticeable excess fat, particularly around the abdomen
  
• Breathlessness during activity
  
• Low self-esteem or bullying experiences
  

Typical signs and symptoms of childhood obesity

• Stretch marks
  
• Joint or mobility issues
  
• Sleep problems such as snoring or sleep apnoea
  
• Early onset of puberty
  

Complications of untreated childhood obesity

• Type 2 diabetes
  
• High blood pressure
  
• High cholesterol
  
• Asthma
  
• Orthopaedic problems
• Social and emotional challenges

What causes obesity in children?

• Poor diet high in sugar and fats
  
• Lack of physical activity
  
• Genetic factors
  
• Psychological issues (comfort eating)
  
• Family environment and habits
  

Risk factors for developing obesity in children

• Parental obesity
  
• Sedentary lifestyle
  
• Socioeconomic factors
  
• Limited access to healthy foods
  

Is childhood obesity hereditary or lifestyle-based?

Both genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise patterns contribute significantly.

How is childhood obesity diagnosed?

GPs and paediatricians use BMI percentiles, growth charts, and a comprehensive health assessment to diagnose childhood obesity.

Tests and assessments used to identify obesity in children

• BMI calculation using age and sex
  
• Blood pressure checks
• Blood tests for cholesterol and glucose levels

Medical treatment for childhood obesity

• Referral to specialist paediatric weight management services
  
• Family-based behavioural therapy
  
• In rare cases, medication or bariatric surgery (usually only for severe obesity)
  

Therapies and interventions for childhood obesity

• Nutritional education for the whole family
  
• Psychological support
• Physical activity programmes

Do medications help with childhood obesity?

Medications are rarely used and are reserved for severe cases after other interventions have failed.

Lifestyle changes to manage childhood obesity

• Encouraging daily physical activity
  
• Serving balanced, nutritious meals
  
• Limiting screen time
  
• Involving the whole family in healthy changes
  

Home remedies and self-help for childhood obesity

• Preparing healthy snacks
  
• Making physical activity fun
  
• Setting consistent mealtimes
• Modelling healthy behaviours

When should you get medical help for childhood obesity?

• If you notice your child’s weight rapidly increasing
  
• If there are physical or emotional health concerns
• If lifestyle changes are not helping

Can you prevent childhood obesity?

Yes. Establishing healthy habits early can dramatically reduce the risk.

Tips to reduce your child’s risk of obesity

• Encourage daily play and exercise
  
• Offer a variety of healthy foods
  
• Avoid using food as a reward
• Create a positive mealtime environment

Living with childhood obesity

Supportive family involvement and professional support are key to successful management.

How to manage childhood obesity in the long term

• Sustained healthy habits
  
• Monitoring growth regularly
  
• Addressing emotional well-being

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire alongside other independently validated medical information about you and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See Terms of Service for more information.