Introduction

Childhood obesity is when a child has a higher level of body fat than is considered healthy for their age range.

Having extra body fat can lead to health problems as they grow older, and it also increases the chance that they will have weight-related health issues as adults.

In Australia, about 1 in 4 children and teenagers are above a healthy weight. Childhood obesity can happen for different reasons, and often, these reasons overlap.

Some of the common reasons include:

• eating or drinking more than the body can use up
• family health and lifestyle
• genetic conditions, like Prader-Willi syndrome
• health issues that affect hormones, like hyperthyroidism
• medications like steroids for cancer treatment
• difficulty getting access to healthy food
• difficulty doing regular movement
• trauma or other emotional challenges.

Energy comes from food and drinks and is burned off when children are active and growing. Most children above a healthy weight will take in more energy than they need or can burn. However, each child is different and will have different energy needs for growth.

Parents and carers can work with doctors and health professionals to make sure their child is growing well and staying within a healthy weight range. Studies show that when the whole family makes healthy changes, it is easier for kids to stay healthy.

It is often easy to see when a child is above a healthy weight. They might:

• have extra body fat in some areas
• grow out of clothes sizes faster than usual
• look larger than other kids their age and height.

Other signs may include:

• getting out of breath from simple activities, like walking short distances or putting on shoes
• feeling tired a lot of the time
• having sleep problems, like snoring or sleep apnoea  - when breathing is blocked during sleep
• joint pain, especially in the knees or hips
• constipation – poos that are hard and difficult to pass
• in boys, extra fat in the breast area
• reflux or vomiting
• continuing to eat even when they feel full.

Older kids and teens may also face challenges with their emotions or social life because of their weight. They might experience:

• low self-esteem
• bullying
• eating disorders
• anxiety
• depression.

A child above a healthy weight will likely be in the highest weight range for their age group. Health professionals use a tool called the Body Mass Index (BMI) to compare a child’s height and weight to what’s typical for their age.

BMI helps give a general picture of weight, but it doesn’t consider things like:

• physical disabilities, like missing limbs
• differences across cultural groups
• muscle.

Health professionals use the BMI as a starting point, along with other checks and measurements, to understand a child’s health. During check-ups, your child’s doctor or nurse will track their height and weight over time to help make sure they are growing well.

If you are worried about your child’s weight or growth, speak to your local doctor or nurse.

Parents and carers play the most important role in helping a child stay at a healthy weight. You can help by making simple, healthy changes in eating and activity at home. Getting friends and family involved can also make a big difference.

You can support your child by:

• learning about nutrition and choosing healthy foods
• keeping nutritious food and drinks available at home
• not using food or drink as rewards
• practising healthy eating habits, like eating meals together at the table without screens
• encouraging regular activity, like family walks or active play.

If your child’s weight is linked to a medical condition or medication, they may need extra help from their doctor. Parents and carers can work with health professionals to keep their children healthy.

Helping your child stay in a healthy weight range can lower the chances of severe health issues, including:

• joint stress, especially in the hips, legs, and ankles
• sleep problems, like sleep apnoea
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• type 2 diabetes.