Caring approach:
Any type of medical visit can be stressful for kids. So, we make things as comfortable as possible for them. They get the support they need every step of the way.
Locations:
When it comes to your child’s weight, there’s a lot more to consider than the numbers on the scale.
Weight loss is a journey at any age, but particularly for kids. Childhood obesity affects kids differently than adults. After all, every child is growing. And no two kids grow in the same way. Some kids never have obesity. Others may have a higher risk of gaining weight or having Type 2 diabetes or heart disease. It’s important to remember that having obesity doesn’t mean your child is lazy. Or that they lack willpower. Having obesity is a treatable health condition.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s is here to help. Our team knows that talking about your child’s weight can be hard. But we’re here to listen and help you look beyond the scale. We’ll recommend ways you and your child can make changes for the better. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Any type of medical visit can be stressful for kids. So, we make things as comfortable as possible for them. They get the support they need every step of the way.
Before our team builds a treatment plan, we want to understand your child’s life. What’s going on at home? What’s going on at school? What do they eat each day? How active are they? Have they been diagnosed with any health conditions? This helps your child get care in a way that works best for them.
Good habits start young, so we help your child learn about eating healthy and staying active. We created our pediatric healthy living programs — Be Well Clinics — with kids in mind. We meet them at their level and get them excited to move forward.
We believe in team-based care at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. This means your child will see pediatric providers from different specialties. They may see experts in nutrition, exercise and mental health, among others. We build this team around your child’s needs. Meet our team.
Sometimes, it may seem like you and your child are always on the run. And it can be tough to schedule in-person appointments. Our virtual visits make it easier to connect with their providers. Your child will get the same one-on-one care, without leaving home.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized throughout the U.S. for our expertise and care.
Childhood obesity is complex. It can be inherited (genetic) or a side effect of another health condition. But social, cultural and lifestyle factors can also contribute to obesity. The kind of food your child eats. How active they are each day at home or school. Their friends and social support system. Even exposure to advertising for fast food restaurants and unhealthy foods and drinks can all have an impact.
Kids having obesity run a higher lifelong risk of health conditions like:
Having obesity can be hard, mentally and physically. Some people don’t understand that having obesity is a medical condition. And this can negatively (and unfairly) affect your child’s well-being. They may experience bullying, social isolation and low self-esteem about their body image.
That’s why starting treatment and building good habits early is so important. Our team is here to make sure your child’s care meets their needs and goals. And puts them on track for lifelong success.
When you and your child meet their provider for the first time, they’ll ask many questions to get to know your child. This helps our team understand important things about your child’s life before creating a treatment plan. Their provider may ask:
Your child’s provider will also do a physical exam. And they’ll measure your child’s height and weight to learn their body mass index (BMI). BMI gives us an idea of how much body fat your child may have.
Your child’s provider may order blood work or imaging tests. These tests may uncover any genetic conditions or hormonal imbalances that may contribute to childhood obesity.
You can also expect to do a nutrition evaluation. This means you’ll track all the details of what, when and how your child eats for 24 hours. Or if they have any behaviors like food sneaking or emotional eating. Our team will also take a close look at your child’s physical fitness. We’ll test their strength and endurance. You and your child will also learn more about healthy eating during these visits. And we’ll talk about the importance of regular exercise.
Before we craft a treatment plan, we help you and your child develop manageable goals. Our behavioral and mental health experts will share their recommendations. And they’ll offer personalized ideas for moving forward. Our entire team wants you and your child to feel ready to take charge of their health. And understand what success will look like for your child.
When your child comes to Cleveland Clinic Children’s, they’ll have a team of providers built around their needs. They may see:
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio.
Treating childhood obesity isn’t a quick solution. But you can rest easy knowing we keep your child’s and your family’s specific needs at the center of all we do. We’ll also adjust treatment when and if those needs change.
Making healthy changes is a big part of your child’s treatment. We often use intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment (IHBLT). It can help your child adopt new ways to eat, move and think. And it involves your whole family. You and your child will learn about healthy eating, exercise and behavior changes.
Your child’s care in the Be Well Clinic can last from three months to several years. We’ll build a care plan focused on nutrition, physical activity and mental health. Your child will also have regular visits with their care team.
Medications are available to treat childhood obesity for kids age 12 and above. They can help with the hormone that controls your child’s appetite. Talk with your child’s care team to see if medications are a treatment option.
Sometimes, a lifestyle program like IHBLT may not be enough to lower a teenager’s body mass. If they have a high BMI and/or a serious health condition, your child may qualify for weight loss (bariatric) surgery. Their care team will share what you need to know about this treatment. They’ll go over the benefits, risks and what to expect during surgery.
It can be hard to talk with your child about having obesity. And making the big changes that come with treatment. Change can be stressful and challenging. But it’s important to connect early — with love and support, not judgement.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s expert and compassionate team will guide your child (and your family) through treatment. We’ll show you how to focus on your child’s health, not their weight. This can help your child feel more comfortable and confident about making changes for a healthier, more active life — now and into the future.
Getting an appointment with one of our childhood obesity experts is easy. We’ll help your child get the care they need.
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