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Approximately 16% of American children and teens are overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your child is one of them, weight management and nutrition can help them slim down and improve their quality of life. At the offices of Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, in Cranbury and Trenton, New Jersey, the team regularly develops weight management and nutrition programs for kids and teens. They use a preventive, patient-centered approach that emphasizes healthy lifestyle changes. Call the nearest office to schedule a weight management and nutrition consultation for your child, or book an appointment online today. Telemedicine appointments are also available.
What is weight management and nutrition for children and teens?
Weight management and nutrition is a pediatric subspecialty that uses nutritional counseling, routine health evaluations, and patient education to promote weight loss and healthier living.
Many children and teens struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and depression. For others, they may have difficulty maintaining good nutrition and a healthy weight, whether because of being a picky eater or a condition, such as celiac.
Weight management and nutrition aim to prevent obesity before it occurs. By teaching your child the importance of exercise and healthy eating, you can support them in living a long, active, and healthy life.
Who qualifies for weight management and nutrition?
The Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, team recommends weight loss and nutrition for children and teens with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater. That’s especially true for children with associated medical conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Asthma
- Sleep apnea
- Menstrual problems
- Insatiable hunger
- Chronic pain
Your child might also benefit from weight management and nutrition if they have a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. Maintaining a healthy weight can ease symptoms caused by these conditions, improving your child’s mood and outlook.
The team also provides treatment for underweight kids and teens and those who need help with nutrition. For example, if your child has an eating disorder or a finicky palate, their pediatrician addresses these issues head-on.
What does weight management and nutrition involve?
The Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, team takes a preventive and patient-centered approach to weight management and nutrition. Often, this includes:
Nutritional counseling
Kids love sugary and salty snacks, but these items provide little nutritional value. Nutritional counseling teaches your child to make better food decisions without eliminating their favorite treats. Specifically, your child’s provider educates them on eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Exercise guidance
Regular exercise is the easiest way to burn excess calories. But your child doesn’t need to join a gym or work with a personal trainer.
Instead, the Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, team makes personalized exercise recommendations that align with your child’s interests and level of physical fitness. For example, the team might recommend cycling, swimming, or joining a recreational sports league.
Prescription medication
Diet and exercise can support weight loss and a healthier lifestyle, but they aren’t always enough to shed significant pounds. If your pre-teen or teenager struggles to achieve their weight loss goals, the team might prescribe medication to supplement their efforts. Some weight loss drugs suppress appetite, while others increase the amount of calories burned.
Call the nearest Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, office to schedule a weight management and nutrition consultation for your child, or book an appointment online today.