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.

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 consuming 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. 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.

Children grow at different rates, but some signs that a child may be above a healthy weight include:

• gaining weight more quickly than expected for their age and height
• growing out of clothing sizes faster than usual
• changes in how their body stores weight, such as around the chest or stomach area.

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
• difficulty sleeping, including snoring or sleep apnoea - when breathing is blocked during sleep
• joint pain, especially in the knees or hips
• constipation – hard poos that are difficult to pass
• reflux or vomiting
• continuing to eat even when they feel full.

Older kids and teens may also face challenges with their wellbeing, such as:

• low self-esteem or confidence
• bullying or teasing from peers
• changes in eating patterns or eating disorders
• anxiety and 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.

Supporting children to stay healthy is most effective when parents, carers, and health professionals work together. Small, positive changes made as a family can help children develop lifelong healthy habits.

You can support your child by:

• learning about nutrition and choosing healthy foods
• keeping a variety of nutritious foods and drinks available at home
• not using food or drink as rewards
• encouraging regular family meals at the table together, without screens
• encouraging daily movement, like active play, family walks, or sports they enjoy.

If your child’s weight is affected by a medical condition, treatment, or medication, they may need extra support from their doctor or health care team.

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

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