Most overweight and obesity problems in childhood are caused by children eating too much and not exercising enough. Weight gain happens when energy ingested (food and drink) is more than energy burned off (physical activity).
 
Four Simple Steps health tips

Is my child overweight or obese?

If you are concerned that your child is overweight or obese, it is important to visit your family doctor. Healthy weight in children varies by age, sex and height. Your family doctor can assess whether your child's weight is in a healthy range.

One tool your family doctor will use to assess whether your child is overweight or obese is to measure his or her body mass index (BMI). Body mass index is an indirect indicator of body fat. It is a measurement based on height and weight that tells if a child or adult is in a healthy range compared to his or her peers. The Canadian Medical Association recommends that physicians calculate BMI in children 2 years and up. You can calculate your child's BMI by linking with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. There you will find a BMI calculator.

In children and adolescents, the cut off for overweight and obese varies with age. A growth chart is used to correctly interpret a child's BMI. After you have calculated your child's BMI, click Here and scroll down to "How is BMI interpreted for children and teens". There you will find a good explanation of how to read growth charts for boys and girls.

You may then be interested in using the Dietitians of Canada WHO Growth Charts Adapted for Canada. There are growth charts for boys and girls 2-19 years: BMI. Please click here to find these charts. 

If you have calculated your child's BMI and it is in the overweight or obese range, it is recommended that you visit your family doctor. Your family doctor can offer advice or refer you to a paediatrician with expertise in the area of childhood obesity. In some cases a referral to a childhood obesity treatment program such as the Shapedown Program at BC Children's Hospital may be necessary.

If your child's BMI is in the normal range, and you still have concerns about your child’s weight we recommend that you visit your family doctor.

 For more about how you can help your child, please read the Families section of this website.

Fall 2011

It's here! Screen Smart is a new program for elementary schools that aims to decrease recreational screen time and increase activity levels of studens! Click here to visit the screen smart website!

Join a research study! The Childhood Obesity Foundation is now listing current research studies that you can participate in. Please click here for details.

The Childhood Obesity Foundation has partnered with organizations across Canada with a goal to contribute to a reversal in the escalating trend in child and youth obesity. Click here for details.