What do you Think of Your Child’s Weight and When to be Concerned

Weight can be a sensitive topic for anyone, especially a child. It can also be especially challenging as a parent or caregiver to determine when, or if, they should be concerned about their child’s weight. Children are like sponges; so, it is important to be mindful of how weight is discussed. Too much discussion and focus on weight can negatively impact a child. Bullying can start at a young age and kids who are overweight or obesity may be bullied based on their size.

Weight can be a helpful tool for assessing health and well-being. Much like a “check engine light” on a car, abnormal weight gain can be an indicator that something else is going on and may prompt further assessment. Abnormal weight gain can also lead to other health concerns like prediabetes, fatty liver and elevated cholesterol. 

Parents and caregivers play an important role in creating a supportive environment. One helpful framework is the division of responsibility in feeding: adults decide what foods are offered, when meals and snacks are served, and where eating happens. Children decide whether they eat and how much they eat from what is provided. This helps children learn to listen to their hunger and fullness cues while reducing pressure around food.

Offering balanced, regular meals and snacks is key. A balanced meal typically includes:

• Foods that are made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, or barely.
• Choose from a variety of vegetables, including dark green, red, and orange vegetables, legumes and starchy vegetables.
• Any fruit or 100% fruit juice; fresh, canned, frozen or dried fruit; whole, cut-up or pureed fruit.
• Choose fat-free or low-fat products for children 2 years and older and offer whole-fat milk and yogurt to children 12 months to 2 years of age.
• Choose lean or low-fat meats and poultry, or include more fish, nuts, seeds, peas or beans.
• Encourage your child to drink water and stay away from drinks that are high in sugar.

Children should and will gain weight as they grow. It mostly becomes a concern when their weight gain is outpacing how tall they are growing. Growth charts are used to help document and track these changes. It is important that parents and caregivers communicate with their child’s primary care provider if they have any concerns about their child’s weight, eating habits or activity level. 

If you are interested in learning more about how to help your child achieve a healthy weight, or if you would like to request an appointment, visit the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition online.