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Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Is it time for doctors to stop sugar coating children's weight issues and start calling them fat?
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This is such a touchy subject and one that hits close to home. There is no denying that obesity is on the rise in children today. However, I don’t think the solution is for doctors to make children feel insecure about their weight issue. Children are already taunted in school by their peers if they are overweight, so why should doctors add more fuel to the fire? Don’t we want our kids to trust doctors instead of fearing them?
There are times when doctors will have to refer to children as being “obese” but I don’t think this recommendation should be a general consensus for all Clinicians. Instead of focusing on labels, I think it’s time to start focusing on getting the proper treatment for these kids.
It is not recommended for children and teenagers to lose weight. However, for those with medical complications a calorie–controlled diet that is supervised by a physician may be necessary. A child who is considered 'at risk' of becoming overweight with no medical complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, may not need to follow a calorie-restricted diet. Rather, eliminating high calorie food and drinks and increasing fruit and vegetable intake can help in maintaining the child’s current weight while continuing his or her growth pattern.
Samantha, RD, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist
Labels: children
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