Childhood obesity is an epidemic in this country, in part due to inactivity, and a poor diet high in fats and sugars. Weight management services from your pediatrician can help your child achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Dr. Reema Mohammed at Midwest Care Pediatrics serving Villa Park, IL, provides a wide range of children’s medical services, including weight management.

What You Need To Know About Weight Management for Children 

So, how many calories are healthy for your child? According to healthychildren.org, children should consume:

• 1000 calories, if your child is 2-3 years old
• 1200-1400 calories, if your child is 4-8 years old
• 1400-1600 calories if you have a girl, or 1600-2000 calories if you have a boy 9-13 years old
• 1800 calories if you have a girl, or 2000-2400 calories if you have a boy 14-18 years old

The calories should be nutrient-dense, packing a lot of nutrients for calories consumed. Your child should avoid eating “empty calories” which are foods and drinks like sodas, chips, and candy. Instead, your child should eat:

• Lean proteins like fish and poultry
• Vegetables and fruits, especially with a high fiber content, so your child stays full for longer
• Whole grains, and avoid highly processed foods
• Low-fat dairy products, and avoid full-fat dairy products

According to the CDC, you should consider weight management if your child is:

• Overweight, with a BMI between 85th and 94th percentiles
• Obese, with a BMI at 95th percentile or above
• Severely obese, with a BMI 99th percentile or higher

When you bring your child to visit the pediatrician for weight management, your pediatrician will:

• Record your family's history of obesity
• Assess your child's eating habits
• Evaluate your child's activity level

Your pediatrician may also want to order cholesterol and blood sugar testing. Your child may also need to keep a food diary to determine where to add foods and cut back on foods that are high in calories and low in nutritional value. After a comprehensive evaluation, your pediatrician may recommend:

• Meal planning and nutritional modifications
• Exercise and lifestyle modifications

Want To Know More About Weight Management for Children?

To find out more about the benefits of weight management for children, call Dr. Mohammed at Midwest Care Pediatrics serving Villa Park, IL. You can reach her in the office by calling (708) 795-5502, so call today.