Childhood Obesity

Defines obesity and overweight diagnoses in children. Explains how doctors determine whether kids are overweight using BMI (body mass index) and other measurements and tests. Lists lifestyle questions a medical professional may ask to determine whether children are too sedentary or get sufficient physical activity and good nutrition.

Hearing a childhood obesity diagnosis, or even a warning that a child is at risk, can be devastating for a parent. But there are many ways you can work toward reversing or preventing childhood obesity. In doing so, you'll lower your child's risk of serious health consequences, and your entire family will benefit from the lifestyle changes you...

If your child has been diagnosed as overweight or obese, or at risk for these conditions, act now to help reduce the risk of serious health consequences.

Childhood obesity is constantly in the news, whether it's new and frightening statistics, updated scientific studies, or efforts to treat and prevent the condition. But childhood obesity myths are prevalent too. Do you know fact from fiction?

Having a talk about weight with kids or teens can be intimidating. But it's up to you to make sure your child knows the facts about weight and health.

When your child struggles with a weight problem, knowing what not to do may be just as important as knowing what to do. Break these 10 habits to help improve your child's health (and your whole family's).

Having specific weight loss goals, in addition to more specific advice on how to eat healthier and how much more active they need to be, is important if your child is overweight.

An overweight child's self-esteem can plummet as his weight rises. Helping an overweight or obese child lose weight safely and sensitively is important. Learn how to build self-esteem in overweight or obese children and when to seek help from professionals such as pediatricians, nutritionists, therapists, psychologists, or social workers.

News stories about children and obesity abound, and they contain terms that may be unfamiliar to most parents. Get to know these key words as a way to better understand the facts about children and obesity.

Overweight babies and toddlers can grow to become obese adults. The Institute of Medicine recommends specific strategies for preventing childhood obesity in the youngest children.

For Michelle Obama, obesity awareness and prevention has become more than a worthy cause. "This is a passion. This is my mission. I am determined to work with folks across this country to change the way a generation of kids thinks about food and nutrition," the First Lady announced. It's clear to Michelle Obama: Obesity is a crisis, and one that...

As part of her ambitious campaign to eliminate childhood obesity in one generation, First Lady Michelle Obama speaks frequently about the issues surrounding kids' health, nutrition, and fitness. These Michelle Obama quotes represent a sample of some her comments on these topics.

Make simple changes to promote family weight loss. Readers share their best advice for family weight loss, lifestyle change, and adult and child obesity prevention.

Parents share their reactions to learning of a childhood obesity diagnosis: how they felt, how they responded, what they are doing now.

Parents often wonder if their children are overweight, underweight or just right. Using this body mass index (BMI) calculator, you can figure out if your child is at an appropriate weight for his or her height.

Find out how close your child's weight is to the ideal amount for his or her height, plus see growth charts and get advice on how to help kids reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Observe National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month by finding out more about this critical health issue, and then adding activity and healthy foods to your family's life.