Children have different body types and develop at different times. KidsHealth from Nemours says that kids gain weight during development stages when the amounts of muscle, fat, and bone in their bodies change. This weight gain is acceptable as long as body fat, muscle and bone are in the right proportions. Other factors can make rapid weight gain unhealthy.
Normal Weight Gain
A doctor can determine if a child's weight gain is healthy by measuring the height and weight of the child over time to see if the growth is normal. KidsHealth mentions that calculating a child's body mass index (BMI) can be an accurate assessment of whether or not weight gain is healthy. A BMI can be calculated by using a formula : BMI = [weight / (height x height)] x 703. A child would be considered overweight if her BMI was at the 85th percentile and over. Children are considered obese if their BMI is at the 95th percentile or higher.
Overweight and Obese Children
The American Heart Association claims one in three American children and teenagers are overweight or obese. Obesity is a major health concern, and can lead to health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and elevated blood cholesterol levels. Obese children are also prone to low self-esteem, negative body image and depression. The American Heart Association mentions that excess weight at a young age has been linked to higher and earlier death rates in adulthood.
Natural Causes of Weight Gain
All children gain weight as they grow, but factors such as not eating right and being sedentary can lead to more rapid weight gain. High-calorie snacks, sugary drinks, fast food and other poor nutritional choices can take a toll on a child's body. Barbara Kolp-Jurss, M.D., mentions at Medical Moments that portion sizes today are much bigger than they were a few decades ago. Children today spend a lot of time inside watching TV and playing video games. Because of budget cuts, many schools can't afford to have PE every day, so children are often not as active as they should be.
Additional Causes of Weight Gain
Sudden weight gain is also recognized as a side effect of certain medications, namely antipsychotics. Children who take antipsychotic medications to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and certain mood issues can gain weight from medication. An October 2009 article in the "Wall Street Journal" cites a study done by the Journal of the American Medical Association that says children and teens could gain as much as 19 pounds on average after just 11 weeks on some medications. Certain medications can add water weight, and in addition, may make adolescents feel as though they are hungry all the time, even if they have just eaten.
Prevention
Unhealthy weight gain in children can be prevented by making sure their daily dietary intake does not involve too many calories, or unhealthy calories. Parents who choose to eat healthy themselves will serve as good role models for children. Encouraging children to be active can keep their weight at a healthy level. Activities such as family walks or bike rides can be a positive experience for kids.
Treatment
If a doctor believes a child's weight isn't healthy, he may provide a specific diet and exercise recommendations. Severely restricting calories, skipping meals or starvation plans will be harmful, not helpful. Incorporate healthy food into a child's diet, like fresh fruit, vegetables, low-fat milk and water. Children should ideally exercise for 30 minutes a day at least three to four days a week. Encourage children to be active.
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