What can I do as a parent to fight childhood obesity?
- Saneka Chakravarty, MD, FACC
- Aug 26, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 5

Leading by Example: Championing Healthy Choices
The key to leading by example is simple: become a beacon of healthy choices. If you've embraced a lifestyle of maintaining an ideal body weight, regular exercise, and nourishing meals, you're already championing the cause.
And if you're yet to embark on this journey, worry not! Today marks a fresh opportunity to begin. The clock doesn't tick against you; it invites you to start anew.
The Impact of Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity, unfortunately, paints a common canvas, affecting around 19.3% of children in the United States. For a deeper dive into the perils of obesity and being overweight, I invite you to explore my other articles: Why You Can't Give Up Trying to Lose Weight.
Interestingly, the scales of obesity seem tipped by parental influence. If one parent is obese, a child's chances of following suit rise by 50%. When both parents grapple with obesity, the likelihood surges to 80%. While genetics play a part, the power of environmental factors to reshape this narrative is undeniable.
Identifying Childhood Obesity
So, how can you identify if your child is facing obesity? According to WHO guidelines, when a child's weight for height surpasses 2 standard deviations, it's a signal of being overweight. Stepping beyond 3 standard deviations is a marker of obesity.
For a clearer understanding of weight-for-height ranges among children aged 5 to 19, I encourage you to refer to this informative chart: WHO Growth Reference Data for 5 to 19 Years.
Empowering Actions for Families
Empowering actions lie within your grasp:
🥦 Fill your pantry and fridge with wholesome snacks.
🍰 Put a cap on treats and sugary drinks, including juices.
🛒 Make grocery shopping, cooking, and even cultivating food a family affair.
🍔 Trim down on processed food intake.
🏞️ Engage in physical activities together as a family.
📺 Keep screen time in check (less than 2 hours daily).
😴 Prioritize restful sleep and keep electronic gadgets out of the bedroom.
Remember, progress is your guiding star – perfection is not the goal.
FAQs
What is childhood obesity?
Childhood obesity is defined as a condition where a child has excess body fat that negatively affects their health. It is typically measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI) for age and sex.
How can I help my child maintain a healthy weight?
You can help by promoting healthy eating habits, encouraging regular physical activity, limiting screen time, and ensuring adequate sleep.
What are the long-term effects of childhood obesity?
Long-term effects can include an increased risk of chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer, as well as psychological issues such as low self-esteem and depression.
References
World Health Organization. (2021). Growth reference data for 5-19 years. Retrieved from WHO.
Ogden, C. L., et al. (2018). Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults and Youth: United States, 2015-2016. NCHS Data Brief, No. 288. Retrieved from CDC.
Whitaker, R. C., et al. (1997). Predicting Obesity in Young Adulthood from Childhood and Parental Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 337(13), 869-873.
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