Understanding and Preventing Childhood Obesity: What Every Parent Should Know
- Wickersham Group
- Aug 18
- 4 min read
Childhood obesity is one of the most pressing health concerns facing families today. It affects far more than a child’s weight: it can shape their physical health, emotional wellbeing, and long-term relationship with food and their body. The good news is that with early awareness and the right support, families and physicians can work together to help kids build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
"As a pediatric medical provider, my priority is creating a space where families feel safe raising questions and concerns about their child's weight. Every family is different, so I tailor each plan to their specific needs, always with sensitivity to body image, culture, and socioeconomic circumstances. I never want a child to feel shamed or uncomfortable discussing weight. Instead, I focus on small, sustainable changes rather than overwhelming families with complex nutritional guidance, because building healthy habits should feel achievable, not intimidating," explained Liz Kane, CPNP-PC, RN, MSN.
What Is Childhood Obesity?
Childhood obesity is a condition where a child carries an excess amount of body fat that can negatively affect their health. It’s typically assessed using BMI-for-age percentiles rather than a single number on a scale, since children’s bodies change so much as they grow.
Rather than a one-time diagnosis, it’s best understood as a signal: a starting point for a conversation about nutrition, activity, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
"We evaluate growth and weight gain over time relative to each patient's age and developmental stage. Certain periods, like pre-puberty, naturally involve some increase in central body fat as hormones shift, so that's factored into our assessment. We also consider genetics, family history, muscle mass and body fat distribution, along with overall metabolic health," shared Liz.
Who Is at Risk?
A number of factors can contribute to a child’s risk of obesity, including:
Family history and genetics
Dietary patterns and access to nutritious food
Physical activity levels and screen time
Sleep habits
Socioeconomic and environmental factors
Certain medications or medical conditions
"It's hard to choose just one, so I'll highlight two: dietary patterns and access to nutritious food, and physical activity balanced with screen time," said Liz Kane, CPNP-PC, RN, MSN.
What Happens During a Weight-Focused Checkup?
When a physician addresses weight concerns, the visit typically covers a lot of ground:
Growth chart review: comparing height, weight, and BMI trends over time
Nutrition assessment: a look at typical meals, snacks, and beverage choices
Activity and screen time review
Sleep habits and quality
Family history and risk factor discussion
Emotional and social wellbeing check-in, including any signs of teasing or low self-esteem
Personalized recommendations for small, sustainable changes
"At each visit, I work with families to set realistic, achievable goals. I give patients and parents autonomy in shaping the plan, guiding them toward a follow-up timeline and goals that make sense for their situation. Here's a common example:"
Goals
Choose the small, single-portion bag size for Takkis/Hot Cheetos, limited to once a week or less.
Choose water when thirsty, cutting back on sugary drinks and aiming for zero calorie drinks outside of milk.
Switch to 1% or fat-free milk, limited to 16 oz daily.
Get outside for active play for at least 30 minutes every day.
Aim for an 8 p.m. bedtime to ensure 10 hours of sleep.
Limit screen time to 2 hours per day or less.
Eat together as a family, talking about each other's day and drinking water throughout the meal to slow down and savor the food. Pay attention to portion sizes, and if going for seconds, stick to fruits and vegetables.
Sit at a table when eating or snacking, and avoid watching TV during meals.
Nutrition Guidance
Physicians often help families identify simple, realistic shifts, such as reducing sugary drinks, adding more vegetables, or adjusting portion sizes, rather than prescribing strict diets.
Physical Activity
Kids and teens are generally encouraged to get regular movement built into their day, in ways that feel fun rather than like a chore.
Emotional Wellbeing
Weight conversations can be sensitive, especially for kids and teens. Physicians are trained to approach these discussions with care, focusing on health and confidence rather than appearance.
The Role of the Whole Family
Because so much of a child’s routine is shaped at home, physicians often emphasize that lasting change works best as a family effort, not a plan placed on the child alone.
When to Seek Extra Support
Sometimes, a physician may recommend additional resources, such as a registered dietitian, behavioral health support, or a specialized pediatric weight management program.
"I refer many families to Lifestyle Medicine at Children's Hospital of Colorado. There isn't one specific sign that triggers a referral, it's really up to the family. Some choose that route after our very first conversation about their child's weight, while others feel established with their care team at Stride and prefer to continue weight management here. When I see significant metabolic changes, such as fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes, I typically recommend a referral for a higher level of care," noted Liz Kane, CPNP-PC, RN, MSN.
Childhood obesity isn’t about blame. It’s about building awareness early and creating a supportive plan that fits your family. Small, consistent changes to nutrition, activity, sleep, and emotional support can make a meaningful difference over time.
Tip: Regular well-child visits are one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of potential weight concerns before they grow into bigger health issues.
Ready to Talk to a Physician About Your Child’s Health?
Call (303) 778-7433 for More Information or to Schedule an Appointment
