Evaluation and Treatment of Childhood Obesity

MANAGING
CHILDHOOD
OBESITY
Diagnosis and
surveillance
These techniques include calculation of one’s
body mass index, skin fold measurements and
waist to hip ratio.
Body mass index involves measuring one’s
weight and dividing by height. A normal BMI
ranges between 18.5 to 25 kg/m2, an abnormal
BMI ranges between 25 and 30 kg/m2 is
classified as being overweight while a BMI
greater than 30kg/m2 is considered obese.
In children that are 10 years and older and
have indicators of obesity related
complications a fasting lipid profile is done.
Staged approach to
weight management
The staged approach involves 4 categories
graduated in terms of increasing measures of
behavioural patterns based on the initial
responses
STAGE 1 = making dietary changes and
minimising a sedentary lifestyle. The changes are
achieved by minimising caloric intake in sugary
foods and beverages, increasing fruit and
vegetable servings to at least 5 per day and
having at least 60 minutes of physical activity.
The monitoring is done for 3 to 6 months..
STAGE 2 = if there is no significant improvement
after stage 1, a more structured approach is
used. Each meal is a structured balanced diet,
physical activity is monitored and time in front of
the television is minimised to less than one hour.
The monitoring is done monthly.
STAGE 3 = this stage requires closer medical
supervision characterised by weekly visits for the
first 3 months of the program
STAGE 4 = in addition to clinical supervision of
behavioural patterns, medication and surgery
can be used..
Physical activity
The goal for each child is to achieve no less
than one hour of activity per day
Older children should engage in structured
physical activity such as a sports team or
athletics
Younger children should engage informal play
with peers
School and home environments with park /
playground favour
Decreasing time in front of screens to no
more than two hours in a day.
Obesity is a state characterised by disordered
increase in weight that can potentially lead to
health complications such as heart disease,
diabetes, some types of cancers, hypertension and
hypoventilation syndrome. However, it can be
managed through various methods mentioned in
this infograph