Childhood obesity: Why it matters and what parents need to know

ROCHESTER, Minn. — A glance around the park, the mall or the classroom confirms what statistics say: the incidence of childhood obesity is on the rise. The prevalence of overweight children, ages 6 to 11, has doubled in the last two decades. For teens, incidence has tripled.

MayoClinic.com has launched a new, in-depth section that covers this trend and the long-term health implications for overweight youngsters. Obesity in children has the same root cause as obesity in adults: consuming too many calories and not exercising enough. But determining if a child's weight is a health concern might take more than a look at the waistline, and solutions might not include traditional dieting.

Highlights of the section, which has been reviewed by Mayo Clinic specialists in children's health and weight management, include:

Diagnosis: Calculating a child's body mass index is one tool to diagnose a weight problem, but it doesn't take into account the child's growth, development or body frame size. A child's activity level and eating habits are part of the mix, too. Concerned parents should seek medical advice to determine when excess weight might pose a health risk.

Health risks: An overweight child often has to deal with taunts from peers. But there are long-term health risks as well. Obesity at a young age can lead to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma complications and other health concerns.

Treatment options: For a young overweight child, maintaining current weight can be an appropriate strategy, while allowing the child to grow into the appropriate weight. For others, losing weight may be necessary. Weight-loss medications and surgery are rarely recommended for youth, even for teens.

Prevention: Physical activity is a key component of weight management for children. Parents should emphasize varied, fun activities that get children moving. (Don't call it exercise!) Limiting time in front of a television or computer screen each day leaves time for more active pursuits. Banning foods probably isn't the answer and neither are power struggles over what to eat or not eat.

• Childhood obesity