Childhood Obesity is a Growing Problem in North Carolina
There is a growing plague impacting children across the country. And one of the most prevalent places it can be found is in North Carolina.
Childhood obesity is a significant problem in the US. The stigmas and prejudices placed on children with obesity are only a part of the problem. The bigger concern is the increased risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
The old way of treating childhood obesity was watchful waiting. Pediatric and other healthcare providers would watch and monitor their patients with obesity, hoping they would outgrow it. But they discovered this strategy wasn’t enough. They found that the best time to change habits is when kids are still young. The younger, the better.
That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) revised its recommendations for managing obesity in children to offer treatment options early and at the highest available intensity.
Here are the facts:
In the U.S., there are more than 14.4 million children with obesity – comprising about 33.5% of children ages 10-17.
The most recent data shows that 33.5% of North Carolina children are obese.
Treating Childhood Obesity in North Carolina
Rainbow Pediatrics started the Strong Kids Clinic in 2021 to address pediatric obesity, among other common nutrition and lifestyle concerns found in children. Led by Dr. Sanniya Nanda, a board-certified obesity medicine specialist, the clinic was developed to help children, teens, and their families better understand food.
To Dr. Nanda, working with children at a young age is critical for making a difference and reducing obesity for life.
“Healthy lifestyle behaviors begin at home,” said Dr. Nanda. “However, what children see outside of the home is impressionable. That’s why it is so important for parents and caregivers to address childhood obesity early and head-on.”
About the Strong Kids Nutrition Clinic in Hope Mills, North Carolina
The Strong Kids Clinic is open to any Rainbow Pediatrics patient who wants to develop a total health and wellness plan. Dr. Nanda teaches her patients about BMI, or body mass index, and where they fall. She will even share her own BMI with patients too! But that’s just the basics; depending on the needs and goals of the patient and their family, Dr. Nanda provides coaching on nutrition, physical activity, and behavior modifications. She will also support families with tips for smart grocery shopping, including how to read labels and provide recommendations for meal preparation. The clinic aims to help parents and caregivers guide their children’s nutrition choices.
As a pediatrician, Dr. Nanda understands a child’s need to exert control where they can. Food is often a place kids can put their foot down. A child can decide what they are willing to eat and not eat, and parents can’t do much about it. Threats only get parents so far. Teaching skills for making healthy choices is critical to normal and healthy development. The Strong Kids Clinic supports parents and caregivers in their mission to create healthy humans.
“If, as a society, we are quicker to implement changes to improve overall health, we can make a difference in the growing problem of childhood obesity throughout the United States,” said Dr. Nanda.
If you’d like to schedule a Strong Kids Clinic appointment with Dr. Nanda, call 910-486-5437 today.
