Richard Merkler, MD, FAAP, provides pediatric weight management services at his Midtown West in Manhattan, New York City clinic. Using a combination of nutrition counseling, exercise plans, and medications when necessary, Dr. Merkler assists pediatric patients in achieving and maintaining a weight conducive to health and wellness.
In most cases, concerns about weight are discussed during a well-child visit. Scheduling routine, annual well-child visits is a great way to ensure children are on target for height and weight and detect other potential underlying medical problems. In some cases, parents reach out to their pediatrician with their concerns about their child’s weight.
Keeping the cupboards stocked with healthy snacks such as yogurt, string cheese, fruits, fresh vegetables, boiled eggs, and granola is a great way to promote healthy snacking. Preparing meals that are rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grain also helps teach children positive meal choices. Finally, parents can avoid stocking junk food at home to deter children from making poor choices. A healthy diet isn’t deprived of unhealthy foods, but they should be limited and infrequent.
Dr. Merkler builds treatment plans using several components, including:
Any treatment plan requires participation and encouragement from parents to be successful long-term.
Overweight children are at increased risk of a variety of complications, sometimes most impactfully diminished self-esteem. Serious medical problems can also result from untreated childhood obesity, including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, liver disease, asthma, joint problems, sleep apnea, early puberty, infections in skin folds, eating disorders, and fatigue. Furthermore, children who are obese are more likely to be bullied at school, bully others, experience anxiety, and suffer from depression.
Unfortunately, many overweight children do not outgrow obesity. Obesity in adults increases the risk of life-threatening diseases like cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
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