Oct

26

May I ask? - There’s help for overweight kids - Wicked Local Roslindale- Childhood Obesity News

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There is ample evidence that being overweight in childhood and adolescence contributes to emotional disturbance, impairments in self-esteem and self-concept, and disturbances related to body image. Studies also show that obese youngsters are more likely to develop serious medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, some forms of cancer, and orthopedic problems. The good news is that you can help your son change his eating and exercise habits and get control of the situation. It is important to see an eating disorders specialist who can complete a detailed assessment of a child’s eating habits and level of physical activity. A good evaluation would include an assessment of your child’s cardiac risk factors such as family history of early cardiovascular disease, blood pressure levels, the presence of diabetes mellitus, and high cholesterol levels. Although obesity is very difficult to treat, it has been proven that “behavioral treatments,” or teaching children and their families new eating and exercise habits, are superior to alternative treatments. Read Childhood Obesity

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