Childhood Obesity
What kind of treatment can my child or adolescent receive?
It is important to seek the guidance of medical professionals when attempting
to help your child or adolescent lose weight. This way all aspects of their health
can be taken into consideration.
- There are a few cases of hormonal or genetic defects, and in those cases it is important
that a physician that is familiar with the family history has done thorough examinations and
testing to diagnose this. (Growth failure, hypothyroidism, Crushing's Syndrome, etc.)
- Speak with your child's doctor about any programs they recommend. This could include exercise,
nutritional information, weight loss clinics, and various other approaches in which a physician
may be able to guide you and your child.
- It is good to set up attainable weight loss goals with a plan of how to achieve them.
- There should be dietary management at the home and within the schooling system. If your child
needs specialized menus, you may need to work with the school on this or send their lunch with them
to school.
- There should be physical activity management and encouragement at home and school.
- Behavior modification practices may be necessary.
- For extreme cases there may be medications and surgical approaches, although those methods are
still under research.
- Counseling may be appropriate in some cases.
- Parents should be educated in nutrition and exercise so that they can help their child.
