New Recommendations on Childhood Obesity

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: December 2, 2020

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All children should be screened for obesity. Children with obesity should be referred for medical treatment. Guidelines come from the US Preventative Services Task Force shows the data and risks of not treating childhood obesity. Experts provide guidance to primary care and specialist physicians about childhood obesity. Regular screening for obesity in children starting at age 6 is advised.

What Makes a Child Obese?

Children at different ages have different normals for body mass index BMI. In simple terms, the higher a child’s BMI, the more likely he/she is to be overweight. To assess for obesity, you’ll need to convert to BMI for age percentile. An easy-to-use children’s BMI calculator can be found here. A normal BMI % is <85. 85-95% has overweight, and >95% carries a diagnosis of obesity.

How to Treat Childhood Obesity

This is where the controversy begins. Some recommendations don’t address all the specific treatment elements for children with obesity. Our experience has shown that children can lose significant weight through a medical weight loss program. This includes nutrition intervention, behavior change, exercise, and appetite suppressants in some cases. Children tolerate the treatment program well and improve their self-esteem while improving the medical diseases caused by obesity

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Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

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Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

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Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

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Lost 66 lbs

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Lost 101 lbs

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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
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