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Obesity Specialist

Children's Cardiology Group Our Services Obesity

Children's Cardiology Group

Pediatric Cardiologists located in Orange, CA & Mission Viejo, CA

Childhood obesity can lead to lifelong health complications. It is estimated that 18.5% of children between the ages of 2 to 18 years qualify as obese in the United States. At Children's Cardiology Group in Orange, Newport Beach and Mission Viejo, California, a program helps children and their families to make the changes needed to lose weight, increase activity, and prevent future illnesses. To schedule an evaluation for childhood obesity with their team of pediatric cardiologists, call the nearest location, or request an appointment through the online scheduling tool.

Obesity Q & A

What is childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity occurs when a child is severely overweight, putting them at risk for serious health complications. If your child is currently overweight, they have an increased chance of becoming obese and therefore elevating their risk of medical problems in the future. 

How do I know if my child is obese?

To diagnose childhood obesity, the experts at Children's Cardiology Group first consider your child's body-mass index, or BMI. To calculate BMI, your doctor uses a formula that measures the ratio of your child's current height and weight. Generally speaking, a child is considered overweight if they fall into the 85th percentile for their age group and obese if they fall into the 95th percentile.

However, because things like muscle mass, bone size, and other individual factors can affect your child's BMI, your provider at Children's Cardiology Group also considers the following:

  • Individual health history
  • Family health history
  • Eating habits
  • Activity level
  • Psychological factors, such as depression, anxiety, exposure to bullying, or trauma

If your doctor determines that your child is obese, they may order blood work and other tests to check for any underlying medical conditions.

How is obesity treated?

Children's Cardiology Group offers a program to address childhood obesity. Based on your child's individual needs, a customized plan may include:

  • Ongoing monitoring of blood pressure and/or cholesterol
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Dietary plans
  • Exercise recommendations
  • Educational materials and resources 

The professional team at Children's Cardiology Group also provides treatment for existing cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). This may include medication or procedures. 

If your child suffers from diabetes, an autoimmune disease, or any other serious medical condition, the team may recommend a specialist to provide treatment. 

Choosing to address your child's weight protects their short and long-term health. To reduce your child's risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other illnesses, schedule an evaluation for obesity at Children's Cardiology Group. Call the clinic nearest you, or request an appointment online today.

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