Managing Childhood Obesity in Plainfield, IL
The Childhood Obesity Epidemic
Dr. Kristine Liberty, Dr. Steven Kovar, and Dr. Jessica Ciszek are the pediatric medical doctors who see kids daily at Kids First Pediatrics in Plainfield, IL. Our doctors are compassionate about healthcare for children, are highly skilled, experienced doctors, and are licensed and Board-Certified Pediatricians, meeting the needs of children and parents in Plainfield and surrounding communities with various services. One service they provide is information and treatment related to obesity in children.
Defining Childhood Obesity
America continues to fight an insane obesity epidemic among adults and children. If your child's body mass index or BMI is greater than 85% but less than 95%, they are deemed overweight. A BMI of over 95% means your child is obese. Childhood obesity is out of control and continues to grow alarmingly. 1:5; children develop lifelong obesity.
Our doctors utilize a growth chart to diagnose obesity using your child's weight/height/gender/age to calculate their BMI and may order blood tests to rule out underlying conditions.
The following substantiated contributing factors may be causing your child to gain too much weight.
- Increased calories
- Lack of exercise/less time outdoors/too much time on electronics
- Foods high in fat/sugar/calories
- Foods low in vitamins/minerals/essential nutrients
- Genetics
- Living environment
- Cost of healthy foods
- Lack of support
- Lack of adequate, safe community activities
- Too much fast food/empty nutrient snacks
- Hormone disorders
- Some medications
The common symptoms of obesity are as follows and signal that it is time to make a pediatric appointment with one of our pediatricians.
- Deposits/fatty tissue
- Areas of dark skin tone
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Stretch marks on hips/back
- Sleep apnea
- Constipation
- Low self-esteem
- Early puberty/females; delayed puberty/males
- Orthopedic problems/flat feet/dislocated hips
Obesity causes long-term health risks such as hypertension/high cholesterol/heart disease/diabetes/breathing problems/joint, bone, reproductive problems/possible cancer/social isolation/depression/fatty liver.
Treatment options for obesity may include diet changes, monitoring eating habits, increasing physical activity, medication (rare), behavioral counseling, reducing the rate of weight gain, more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, lean meats, nuts, low-fat dairy, and decreased food portions.
Supervise your child on a healthy diet/exercise program using the following tips to maintain weight/prevent childhood obesity.
- Healthy breakfast
- Control meal/snack portions
- Smoothies
- Healthy snacks/yogurt/fruit
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat complex carbohydrates/lean proteins/healthy fats/fruits/vegetables
Please ask us questions about your child's possible obesity.
Q. Should I be concerned about my child's size?
Q. What should my child eat to stay healthy?
Q. Is my child's weight and height within the norm?
Q. What can I do if my child refuses to eat healthy foods?
Contact Us Today
Please call Dr. Liberty, Dr. Kovar, and Dr. Ciszek at Kids First Pediatrics in Plainfield, IL, if your child's weight concerns you. We want to help your child's overweight problem so it does not worsen. Please call us today at (815) 609-5437 to schedule an obesity consultation.