Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The short answer from a pediatrician
A: Weight becomes a concern only if a child’s body mass index (BMI) is high. Children with sturdy builds may not be at risk of health problems if their BMI is within normal range and their diet and exercise patterns are healthy. Also, some kids who are very muscular athletes may have a falsely elevated BMI.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Your child’s pediatrician can help determine his or her BMI. To calculate the BMI, we take into account the child’s weight in relationship to their height, then we plot it as compared with other children’s BMIs worldwide. If the BMI is over the 95th percentile, the child is considered to have obesity.
All children should have a yearly physical with their primary care physician to make sure they are following healthy habits and are not at risk for health problems as adults. In evaluating a child’s health, we also evaluate diet and exercise patterns, and ask about family history of heart disease, fatty liver, diabetes or obesity.
The bottom line: If you are at all worried about your child’s weight, I encourage you to speak to your pediatrician.
—Pediatrician Richard So, MD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
If parents can’t get along with one another, they’ll need to determine what’s best for their child in separate situations
Congenital heart disease, genetic conditions and unhealthy lifestyle habits can put teens at higher risk for heart attack
These rare tumors are almost always a side effect of a condition called neurofibromatosis type 1, so asking if this is the case is important
Staying active and documenting symptoms can help you, and your care team, stay on top of this chronic condition
Older studies suggesting a link have been completely discredited — vaccinations are safe and effective
This sleep training method can bring quick results, but it may be stressful for parents
Help children get their needed rest by teaching good sleep hygiene, using mindfulness techniques and creating a calming environment
This technique involves picking up your baby to soothe them if they fuss or cry, but then, returning them to their crib before they fall asleep
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods
