Obesity has been a growing concern for the western world for decades. As we discover more of the causes of this medical condition, we’re working to create preventive care for kids. By understanding a little more about this condition and how your child can be diagnosed, you can better work to provide your child with the care they need to grow up healthy and strong.
How is Testing Performed?
The most common test used to check for obesity in children is the body mass index or BMI for short. This uses a percentile ranking that is determined based on the child’s height and weight measurements. The BMI rating indicates the body fat that your child has. If your child’s measurements determine that they are in the 95th percentile or above, they are diagnosed as obese. Your pediatrician in Lubbock will be able to determine if your child is obese based on BMI testing.
Researching The Causes
Your physician will typically do a full physical exam for your child to identify if there are any abnormalities that are causing them to be obese. Some of the common abnormalities that your pediatrician will check for include:
- High Blood Pressure
- Fatty Liver
- Female Menstrual Problems
- Diabetes
- Psychological Issues
- Abnormal Blood Lipids
Being Diagnosed As Overweight
When doing BMI testing, your family physician may find that your child is in the 85th percentile. This range determines the diagnosis of being overweight. This is just under the condition of being obese. If your child is determined to be overweight, your doctor will give instructions for child preventive care Lubbock and likely do the following:
- Take a Family History For Underlying Conditions
- Screen Your Child’s BMI Annually For Changes
- Assess Any Emotional Issues About Weight
Check Blood Pressure
Being diagnosed as overweight or obese is not something chronic. With the help of your doctor and good preventive care for children Lubbock, you can work alongside your child to get their weight under control. It can be hard to conclude that you may have contributed to this condition in your child. However, by facing the weight issue head-on, you can teach your children better habits. Remember that we all can learn from our mistakes and passing on good lessons to our children is what we aim to do.
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