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Approximately 20 percent of American children and adolescents experience obesity, according to the . This health issue doesn’t just affect the early years. Childhood obesity may increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression and other health issues later in life.��

“Childhood obesity is the most common chronic disease of childhood,” says Marisa Censani, M.D., associate professor of Clinical Pediatrics and director of the Pediatric Obesity Program at NYP Komansky Children's Hospital and AV�о���. “If we can intervene early on and prevent these future health complications, we're really helping to give these children a healthy future.”��

Uncovering the Root of Childhood Obesity����

There is no single cause of childhood obesity. Children born via C-section, fed formula or given antibiotics early in life may be at increased risk. However, many other factors may lead to excess weight during childhood, such as:��

Helping Children Manage Their Weight��

Because childhood obesity can lead to future health problems, it’s important to help children obtain a healthy weight as soon as possible. The recommends four stages to guide youngsters toward a healthy weight.��

A pediatric obesity program can also help families by providing individualized weight management plans to help children reach their goals.��

It’s a Family Affair��

Losing weight ������’t easy. It takes a plan and a lot of will power. To help your child reach a healthy weight, engage the whole family. When you do, give children an active role in mapping the way forward.��

“I like to let the families take control,” says Isabel Reckson, CDCES, C.D.N., R.D., registered dietician and certified diabetes educator at AV�о��� in the Divisions of Pediatric Endocrinology and Pediatric Nephrology. “Rather than saying, ‘This is the way you have to eat,’ I encourage families to put the child in the hot seat and ask, ‘What changes are you open to making?’”����

Is childhood obesity affecting your family? at AV��� to help your child reach a healthy weight for a healthier future.��