Are you concerned about your child’s weight? You don’t want to ruin their self-esteem by bringing something up that may not be a problem, but you also don’t want your child to endure the health risks connected with being overweight or obese.

Processed foods are dense in calories but not necessarily packed with nutrients. Today’s children aren’t as active as those in the previous generation because of technology and cultural lifestyle shifts. Environmental toxins are everywhere and hard to completely avoid.

If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, first look at the big picture. There is some time to think and plan to improve your child’s health. Don’t panic. 

Make a lifestyle change together, getting the entire household on board with exercise and nutritional adjustments. Start slowly with doable changes where the behavior will lead to little wins before selecting the next change to make.

Children facing obesity and who are struggling with health problems that could be reversed may be candidates for bariatric surgery. This is not a quick-fix option. Discuss your concerns with your pediatrician.

Listen to this encore episode from December 2019 as Dr. Sarah Armstrong joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss concerns over weight and bariatric surgery.