Obesity is a common chronic disease in childhood. If you are concerned that your child is overweight or at risk of becoming, our doctor in Rockville, MD, can help with child weight management tips. Visit Gold Pediatrics, where Dr. Errol Douglas, a board-certified pediatrician, will work with you to help manage your child’s weight.

How Do I Know If My Child Is Overweight?

It’s not easy for parents to tell whether a child is overweight. Your child's doctor is the best person to determine so. The doctor will measure your child's weight and height, compute their body mass index (BMI), and compare it to the standards. BMI is a measure of body weight compared to height.

In addition, the doctor will consider your child’s age and growth patterns.

How Can a Doctor Help If My Child Is Overweight?

Your doctor in Rockville, MD, will help with child weight management plan based on the child's age and whether they have other medical conditions. Usually, the doctor will develop a healthy eating plan and prescribe physical activity. In some cases, treatment may include medications or weight-loss surgery. 

Healthy Eating

Your child's doctor will work with you to develop a healthy eating plan. The parent's role in this is significant since they are the person who buys groceries, cooks meals, and decides where food is eaten. 

• Prioritize fruits and vegetables. When shopping for food, do not buy a lot of convenience foods, such as cookies, which often have high sugar, fat, and calorie content. 
• Cut On sweetened beverages. These drinks have high calories but offer little nutritional value.
• Do not buy fast food. Most fast foods have a high content of fat and calories.
• Serve the appropriate amount of food. Unlike adults, children don’t require a lot of food. Give them a small portion and add them if they’re still hungry. 

Physical Activity

Physical activity helps your child achieve and maintain a healthy weight by burning calories. Exercise also helps strengthen bones and muscles. Your child's doctor will prescribe a specific plan for weight reduction. 

Medications

A doctor may prescribe some medications for some overweight children as part of a general weight-loss plan.

Contact Us Today

Visit Gold Pediatrics in Rockville, MD, to learn how our doctor can help with child weight management. Dr. Douglas will recommend behavioral changes that need to be made to manage your child’s weight better—call (301) 517-9710 to book an appointment.