One in three American children are overweight, and a third of those are obese. That amounts to 12.7 million obese children in America according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Why should you be concerned?  Because these children are projected to have shorter lifespans. Obesity is linked to hypertension (high blood pressure), joint problems, sleep apnea, respiratory issues and even cardiovascular (heart) related problems.

Is your child overweight or obese?  Be sure to check their Body Mass Index percentile (BMI%) at your child’s next well visit.

If the BMI% is less than the 5th%: they are underweight.

If the BMI% is between the 5th% and the 85th%: they are at a healthy weight for their height. 

If the BMI% is between the 85th% and 95th%: they are overweight. 

If the BMI% is over the 95th%: they are obese.

What can you do to help prevent pediatric obesity?  Read my article in this month’s Tidewater Family Magazine here: http://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/you-can-help-stop-childhood-obesity