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Obesity, especially among children, has become an international problem. The World Health Organization has created new global weight guidelines for children and babies. But should parents be concerned that their baby is too fat?

At 15 months, Sarah Anne is already eating solid foods. “She eats pretty much anything that we eat,” her dad says. “There’s certain things that she doesn’t like, but for the most part, she eats and she eats a lot.”

She’s a healthy eater and, her pediatrician says, a healthy size for her age.

But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 percent of U.S. children are currently considered overweight. And by the new WHO guidelines, that number could be doubled – which has many parents worried.

“Parents should be concerned about their children’s weight,” says pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Stanley Cohen. “They should be concerned about their children’s development in general. That’s what parents do, [and] that’s what we want to get them to do.”

But experts say it’s not just about weight; it’s about a healthy diet as well.

“Focus on the fact that this is sort of optimal nutrition,” explains Dr. Cohen. “This is the way we want to see children grow, this is the way we want to see kids developing. This is not an isolated issue in the United States, but one that’s pervading the worldwide consciousness about nutrition.”

He says that if you think your baby is overweight, talk to your pediatrician: “The best way to look at how a child should grow and gain is along these growth curves. We want parents to work with their physicians and recognize that their child’s growing well, when the child’s developing well and how to push them along the path and help them into a healthy childhood, adolescence and adulthood.”

Sarah Anne’s dad hopes that she’ll follow in his footsteps and continue to exercise and eat healthy.

“Hopefully it’s something that we can instill in her,” he says, “as far as making good food choices. And hopefully the foods she eats now – the vegetables and fruits, maybe – hopefully down the road those will be the things that she really likes and she’ll continue eating those.”

What We Need To Know

• Studies have shown that children who were breastfed have lower weight, lower blood pressure, better nutrition and, according to some studies, higher intelligence rates. (Dr. Stanley Cohen, pediatric gastroenterologist, AAP)




• Children can be habituated to good habits, just as they can to bad habits. Start them on a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables at an early age. (Dr. David Satcher, Former U.S. Surgeon General)




• Quality of food is important, but quantity is as well. Typically, babies should only eat portions the size of their fist. Also, look for cues that your baby is full. When they start looking around the room and are no longer interested in their food, they are finished eating. (Dr. Stanley Cohen, pediatric gastroenterologist, AAP)




• The most powerful way to have an impact on your child’s eating habits is to be a good role model. Exercise daily, eat healthy and as a family. Studies have shown that children who eat with their family have a more nutritious diet than those who eat alone. (Dr. Howell Wechsler, CDC, Director of Adolescent and School Health)




• Babies should not be placed on diets. Nor should children, without the appropriate supervision of a physician. (Dr. Stanley Cohen, pediatric gastroenterologist, AAP)

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• World Health Organization, Child Growth Standards

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