We address the most important factors contributing to a child’s weight gain beyond just the numbers on a bathroom scale.
What is Childhood Obesity?
Obesity in children is a common chronic disease. The condition is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex.
When to Seek Care for Childhood Obesity
Well on Your Weigh Program
Obesity can be harmful to your child’s physical, social and psychological well-being. At Cape Fear Valley Health, we understand obesity is a complex medical condition and not a lack of self-control. We partner with you and your child to address the factors contributing to this condition.
Our Well on Your Weigh program focuses on weight control and management. By participating, your child can avoid future health problems by treating this disease today.
What to Expect from Well on Your Weigh Program
Patient referral required
A referral from your primary care provider is necessary prior to your first visit to the Well on Your Weigh program. To avoid unnecessary testing, the primary provider should fax all relevant medical records, test results and X-rays before the appointment date.
When referring your child for a diagnostic evaluation, your primary doctor must include the following information:
- Patient name and date of birth
- Probable diagnosis
- Insurance/referral information
- Physician clinical findings or symptoms that caused the patient to visit physician
Once the completed referral is obtained, your child will be scheduled for a comprehensive assessment, including:
- Physical exam
- Lab tests
- Medical history
- Screening for high blood pressure, prediabetes, family history of type 2 diabetes and other underlying medical conditions
You can take steps today to improve your child’s overall health and well-being. If you need guidance on your child’s health, talk with your primary care doctor about a referral to the Well on Your Weigh program.
Family involvement is vital for your child’s success in this program. To achieve lasting results for your child, you’ll need to incorporate lifestyle changes you learn into your family’s daily life.
Benefits of Childhood Obesity Care
When you take action to address your child’s obesity, you can lower their risk of developing debilitating health problems, including:
- Breathing problems
- Cardiovascular disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Joint pain
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Type 2 diabetes
Brunilda Cordero, MD
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Ruth Faircloth, MD
- Pediatric Endocrinology
