How to assess if my child is overweight or obese?

Question

Hello doctor,

I’m a 40-year-old woman, and I have some questions about childhood obesity:

What is childhood obesity? How common is it, and what causes it?
What health problems can happen if a child is obese?
How can I tell if my child is overweight or obese?
What tests or signs do doctors use to find out if a child is obese? When should I take my child to see a doctor?
What are some simple ways to prevent childhood obesity, especially from a young age?
Are there changes we can make at home as a family to help?
How important is healthy eating in preventing and treating obesity in kids?
What are some basic food rules or tips I can follow to keep my child at a healthy weight?
How can I help my child stay active and cut down on screen time?

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

BMI (body mass index) is a simple tool used to assess body weight in relation to height. It’s calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). BMI is widely used in clinics because it’s easy to measure and gives a reliable estimate of body fat.

In children and teens, BMI is compared to growth charts based on data from the 1960s (NHANES studies from 1963–1965 and 1966–1970). A child is considered:

Overweight if their BMI is above the 85th percentile.
Obese if it’s above the 95th percentile.
BMI over 30 kg/m² is considered obese at any age.

Health risks and what you can do:

Diet and nutrition: A heart-healthy diet is important. Choose foods low in salt (sodium) and high in potassium. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products to help lower blood pressure.
Physical inactivity: Being active every day lowers the risk of stroke. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity—like walking, biking, or dancing—most days of the week.
Weight and body Fat: If a child is overweight or obese, weight loss can help reduce their blood pressure and stroke risk over time.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.