Are Your Kids Overweight? Questions for Your Pediatrician

As a parent, you don't want to admit that your child is gaining weight or talk to anyone about it. Though it may be awkward, you need to ask your pediatrician about your child's weight. Marilyn Tanner-Blasiar, a dietitian and American Dietetic Association spokesperson, and Abigail H. Natenshon, psychotherapist and author of "When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder," recommend using the following questions as a starting point when speaking with your child's pediatrician.

What is a healthy weight for my child's height? Your pediatrician will use a growth chart to determine how your child is growing compared to other children of the same age and gender. This will assess whether your child is developing proportionately. If your child is not growing normally, the doctor will look for other signs that the child is unhealthy and take his family history into account before determining if there's a problem.

What is my child's body mass index? BMI is calculated using one's height and weight. It is one way to determine the amount of body fat on children's or teens' bodies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using BMI to screen for obesity starting at age 2. Still, it's not perfect. It doesn't distinguish between sexes or ethnicity and is inaccurate for extremely muscular athletes and very thin and very obese people.

Can you refer us to a pediatric dietitian? Pediatric dietitians are dietitians who specialize in the nutritional care of children. They develop nutrition programs for kids and can help solve picky-eater problems.

Is my child at risk for diabetes or high blood pressure? Adults are not the only ones who suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure. Children who have a family history of diabetes, are inactive and are overweight are likely to be diagnosed with the disease. High blood pressure, which is a sign that there are other problems in the heart, blood vessels or kidneys, can also occur in children.

How much activity and exercise should my child get? There are three main elements of fitness: endurance, strength and flexibility. Rift Gold The National Association for Sport and Physical Education recommends that school-aged children get an hour or more of physical exercise every day. For incredibly busy children, that exercise requirement can be broken up over the course of the day.

What should we do differently as a family? Your pediatrician will point out that losing weight is a group effort and offer suggestions on how to help your child. RIFT Platinum Surprisingly, you might have to modify your own behavior because your children will follow your example. Your pediatrician might suggest walking after dinner or playing catch as a workout. She will also encourage you to stock your house with healthy snacks and treats.

Does he or she need to go on a "diet"? rift gold Although your child's eating will change, many pediatricians will not don't use the term diet because it focuses on calorie restriction. Children who practice extreme calorie restriction may have problems with their metabolism later in life.

How do I discuss weight loss effectively without offending my child? Your child might be incredibly sensitive about his or her weight, and your pediatrician can help you discuss the issue. RIFT Platinum Your child might be getting teased at school or be embarrassed. If he or she is an emotional eater, you'll need to help resolve the feelings that are affecting his or her eating habits. If your child isn't willing to discuss his or her problem with you, another friend, family member or mental health professional can help