The Department of Pediatrics provides services for the evaluation and treatment of childhood obesity. The vast majority of children become obese from unhealthy lifestyle and behavioral choices, and the treatment approach must include lifestyle changes, since there is no approved medical therapy for obese children. Although obesity can be associated with several hormone disorders, the endocrinology clinic is often not the appropriate initial setting for an obesity evaluation. Several physicians in the Division of General Pediatrics offer weight management services as part of Consultation Clinic. They will be happy to assist in the screening of children for endocrine, hepatic, or other co-morbidities. 

The Pediatric Weight Management clinic provides a multidisciplinary team approach to the treatment of obese children, following an initial evaluation with both physicians and dietitians. Included for your reference is an algorithm for the evaluation of obese children. It contains contact information for the various programs at Children’s Hospital that can assist you at any stage of the evaluation or treatment of these children.

The most widely-accepted screening tool for the identification of obese children and adolescents is the Body Mass Index, or BMI.  The BMI is calculated by dividing the child’s weight (in Kg) by the height (in m) squared. Helpful tools for calculating the BMI using both metric and English units are available on the CDC Web site as part of their BMI for Age Training Module.

BMI Facts
Children whose BMI is between the 85th and 95th percentiles for age are defined as "at risk for overweight," while those with a BMI greater than the 95th percentile are defined as "overweight." 

Boys
View the Body Mass Index for Age Table for boys ages 2-20 years on the CDC Web site.

Girls
View the Body Mass Index for Age Table for girls ages 2-20 years on the CDC Web site.

BMI correlates well with a child’s adiposity, but certain exceptions exist and these are discussed at the CDC’s helpful Training Module Using the BMI-for-Age Growth Charts. 

View the CDC’s algorithm for the evaluation of obese children: Overweight Children and Adolescents: Screen, Assess and Manage.