This post was in partnership with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend brands we genuinely love.
"As parents, we want our children to be happy, healthy, and thriving. But many parents find themselves wondering: When should I be concerned about my child’s weight? How can I encourage a healthy lifestyle without focusing too much on weight? These questions can feel overwhelming, especially with the abundance of information available online at all times (yes, we’ve all been down the WebMD rabbit hole too many times). While every child’s health journey is unique, understanding that obesity is a complex, chronic disease recognized by the CDC and the American Medical Association is the first step, as opposed to a personal failure or the result of poor lifestyle choices alone. It’s key to recognize that obesity is a disease resulting from several factors, many of which cannot be changed, and it’s not something that can be easily “fixed.”
Partnering with your child to address modifiable behavioral changes can empower the family unit to make informed, healthy choices that will leave everyone feeling much better in the long run. To help navigate these concerns, we spoke with experts from Lurie Children’s Weight and Wellness Program. Their insights shed some light on the complexities of childhood weight, the role of genetics and lifestyle, and how families can encourage sustainable, healthy habits. By understanding the complexities of managing the disease of obesity and choosing to focus on what the family system can control, parents can support their children in developing a positive relationship with food, movement, and overall health. Here’s everything we’ve learned:
In this article
Meet the Expert
Meet the Expert
Dr. Caren Mangarelli
Obesity prevention and treatment specialist, primary care physician for children and teens, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Meet the Expert
Dr. Thomas Inge, MD, PhD
Surgeon-in-Chief; Chair, Department of Surgery; Director, Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program
Professor of Surgery (Pediatric Surgery), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Meet the Expert
Dr. Elissa Williams, MS, APRN, CPNP-PC, CBN
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Certified Bariatric Nurse, Adolescent Bariatric Surgery and Wellness & Weight Management Programs
Why is childhood weight and wellness important?
Maintaining a healthy weight is about more than appearance—it plays a crucial role in a child’s overall well-being and long-term health. According to experts from Lurie Children’s, children with obesity are at a higher risk for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and organ dysfunction. Additionally, excess weight can affect mental health, self-esteem, and social interactions. New research has shown that children who struggle with obesity are more likely to continue experiencing weight-related issues into adulthood, increasing their risk of chronic diseases. As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its guidelines, encouraging proactive intervention such as medications or bariatric surgery, rather than using a “wait-and-see” approach. Multiple studies have shown that with severe obesity, lifestyle changes often are not enough to improve health. More intensive treatment options, such as medications and bariatric surgery, may be necessary.
When to be concerned about your child’s weight
A common misconception is that children will naturally “grow out of” weight issues as they age. While some children, particularly boys, may experience changes in body composition during puberty, this is not the case for most. Research shows that obesity tends to perpetuate itself—children with severe obesity often grow into adults with the same condition, along with worsening comorbidities. We see very young children developing significant liver disease and diabetes, sometimes requiring adult medications. If left unaddressed, these conditions only deteriorate over time. Early intervention is crucial, as addressing obesity at a younger age can be far more effective.
So, suppose you’re unsure whether your child’s weight is a concern. In that case, experts suggest discussing concerns with your pediatrician or primary care doctor, who should consider the child’s body mass index (BMI) and other health indicators found in routine bloodwork. It can also be helpful to have the provider assess other contributing factors such as nutrition, physical activity, mental health, sleep habits, and family history.
What factors can contribute to childhood obesity and weight issues?
Many factors can influence a child’s weight, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle habits. Experts estimate that approximately 50 percent of obesity risk comes from genetics. However, lifestyle factors discussed above—such as diet, physical activity, sleep quality, and stress levels—also play a significant role. Children today face additional challenges, including increased screen time, social media, limited access to outdoor play, and easy access to highly processed foods. Combined with genetic predisposition, these modern-day challenges can make maintaining a healthy weight more difficult.
How to address weight concerns with children and teens
It goes without saying that talking about weight with anyone can be sensitive. Experts recommend focusing on healthy habits rather than weight or appearance. Leading by example and creating a home environment that promotes a partnership with your child in nutritious eating and physical activity can be more effective than directly discussing weight or shaming them into “doing better.” Avoid comparisons to other siblings or children who don’t struggle with obesity.
As teens gain independence, the loss of parental control over food choices and fitness habits can be challenging. So, rather than restricting or criticizing their decisions, model balanced eating and an active lifestyle to encourage long-term healthy habits. We understand this is easier said than done, but this is a positive place to start.
Helping children understand how their choices impact their health is key, along with identifying their personal motivation for change. Encouraging and reminding them of this motivation can support lasting progress. Finding a knowledgeable medical provider—whether through a weight and wellness program or a pediatrician—is essential. A provider well-versed in childhood obesity can educate both the child and family, recognizing that this is a family-wide issue. Additionally, many children struggling with obesity may benefit from mental health support. Early engagement in therapy can help them develop healthy coping mechanisms and manage stress, especially for concerns they may not feel comfortable sharing with their parents.
Ways to promote a healthier lifestyle for children and teens
Encouraging a balanced lifestyle starts with small, sustainable changes. Some expert-recommended strategies include:
- Prioritizing nutritious meals: Ensure children get enough protein to help with feeling full and preserve muscle mass, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, and fiber-rich carbohydrates.
- Encouraging daily physical activity: This doesn’t have to mean sports—activities like bike riding, dancing, walking, or even active VR games.
- Fostering good sleep habits: Poor sleep can make it difficult to lose weight. Establish a consistent bedtime routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time as often as you can. Most kids need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night.
- Reducing stress: Emotional well-being plays a role in physical health. Help kids manage stress through physical activity, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, encouraging a hobby, such as art or music, and promoting supportive relationships.
If you are concerned about your child’s weight, early intervention is key. Experts at Lurie Children’s emphasize that providing your child with adequate tools for success can help prevent long-term obesity-related issues.
How the Lurie Children’s Weight and Wellness Program helps kids
For families looking for guidance, Lurie Children’s Wellness and Weight Management Program offers a comprehensive approach to pediatric weight management. The program combines medical expertise with nutrition counseling, medication management, and physical activity strategies to help families build sustainable lifestyle changes. By working with a team of specialists, families receive personalized recommendations that address the root causes of weight concerns, helping children lead healthier, more confident lives.
Lurie Children’s Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program
For most adolescents with severe obesity, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to achieve a healthy weight. Lurie Children’s offers an Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program for qualifying patients who have struggled with weight despite medical and behavioral interventions. This program provides a multidisciplinary approach to prepare patients for surgery. Monthly visits include medical evaluations, nutritional guidance, psychological support, and addressing other health-related concerns.
Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing tool for patients, reducing or eliminating the risk of serious weight-related illnesses. In the largest and longest follow-up study of bariatric surgery in teens, researchers, including Dr. Inge, found that ten years after undergoing bariatric surgery, over half the study participants demonstrated not only sustained weight loss, but also resolution of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
About Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Led by a team of world-renowned pediatric experts, Lurie Children’s is the #1 pediatric hospital in Illinois and an institution we trust for all things kids’ health. With 140 years of clinical expertise, research, and community engagement, the team at Lurie Children’s is committed to putting children and their families at the center of everything they do. We are honored to partner with Lurie Children’s to help educate our readers about how we can help our kids lead a healthier future. Learn more about Lurie Children’s and find a doctor near you today!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
McKenna Pringle, Branded Content Editoral Assistant
As the Branded Content Editorial Assistant, McKenna collaborates with our sales team by creating both written and social media content, collecting and analyzing performance data to report back to our partners, and assisting our editors with their everyday tasks to ensure a smooth and productive process.
This post was in partnership with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend brands we genuinely love.
Feature graphic images credited to: Ketut Subiyanto | Pexels, Any Lane | Pexels, Yan Krukau | Pexels