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How do I know if my child has a weight problem

Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

How do I know if my child has a weight problem

• Overweight and obesity in childhood is a serious problem in Australia.
• Up to 1 in 4 school-aged children in New South Wales are overweight or obese.
• Labelling a child as overweight or obese can be damaging and for this reason the discussion of weight in relation to children needs to be handled with care.
• If you think your child may have a weight problem then you should arrange for your child to be reviewed by your general practitioner (GP). This will include assessment of your child's height and weight.
• Signs indicating that children may have a weight problem include:
• If they wear clothes that are much larger than their age (more than 2 sizes above their age)
• If they are much bigger than the other children in their class at school.
• If they watch more than 3 hours of television each day.
• If they eat just as much, or more than, adults.
• If they eat takeaway food more than twice a week.
• If they get very puffed when doing physical activity.
• If they constantly say they are hungry or are always looking for food.
• If your child has several of these features, it is a good idea to take them to your GP or paediatrician for an assessment.

• Overweight and obesity is a serious problem in Australia.
• Early identification and management of overweight and obesity in childhood is more likely to prevent long term weight problems.
• Parents play a key role in the management of childhood overweight and obesity.
• If you think that your child may have a weight problem, take them to your local GP or paediatrician for assessment.

The Children's Hospital at Westmead Tel: (02) 9845 3585 Fax: (02) 9845 3562 www.chw.edu.au	Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick Tel: (02) 9382 1688 Fax: (02) 9382 1451 www.sch.edu.au	Kaleidoscope, Hunter Children's Health Network Tel: (02) 4921 3670 Fax: (02) 4921 3599 www.kaleidoscope.org.au