child standing on a stool represents children with obesity

A Healthy Heart in Children Starts with Preventing and Treating Obesity

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Did you know that excess weight in children can significantly impact their heart health and increase their risk of developing cardiovascular issues later in life?

While many assume that high blood pressure, high cholesterol and abnormal heart muscle structure are only associated with adults, children with obesity can also suffer from these medical issues.

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The good news is a child who has their obesity issues addressed early, can still lead a healthy life.

Raquel Hernandez, M.D., M.P.H., is an associate professor of pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and medical director of the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Healthy Weight Initiative. As part of the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Heart Institute, Hernandez provides patients with a multi-tiered approach including innovative clinical care, research and educational efforts targeting pediatric obesity.

“We know that obesity is an increasingly common condition,” she said.  “By implementing healthy lifestyle and nutritional changes, children with obesity will often show improvements in heart-related conditions. Parents should know that these are common health problems that are very treatable if found early.”

What is obesity?

Obesity is determined by Body Mass Index (BMI), a calculation that uses height and weight to estimate how much body fat someone has. BMI percentiles show how a child's measurements compare with others the same gender and age. A child might be considered obese if their BMI is at or above the 95th percentile for age, gender and height.

What causes obesity?

According to Hernandez, “Our food environment and exposure to processed foods is the central reason children suffer from obesity. Our bodies are being asked to work harder to digest these highly processed foods.”

What about medication?

Although Hernandez said there are medications available that can be life changing, especially for kids with the most severe forms of obesity, she feels strongly that no patient should be started immediately on weight loss medication without a thorough assessment and physical.

“I’ve had some kids come to our clinic looking for a quick fix with a diet pill or other prescribed medications,” she said. “I tell them that’s not what we do, but let me tell you about the treatments we do offer. We are not chasing numbers on the scale. We’re chasing your best physical and mental health.”

How to get help for your child

Hernandez says the place to start is with your child. Include them in the discussion about their health, (if they are old enough to understand). Then consult your pediatrician.

The Healthy Steps Clinic at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is designed to help with weight issues including rapid weight gain and unhealthy weight.

“A lot of parents automatically assume we are going to recommend weight loss. We often are just looking for a modest change in weight and diet becomes the predictive factor,” Hernandez said. “If a family starts a healthy diet, the next time I see that patient they are going to be healthier.”

For information about the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Healthy Steps Clinic, please visit:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/all-childrens-hospital/services/pediatric-and-adolescent-medicine/healthy-weight-initiative/healthy-steps-clinic

*Presented by Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital | GettyImages-1198841537