OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

Overweight and obesity among Vietnamese children are rising rapidly and becoming a concerning issue. According to statistics, between 2010 and 2020, the rate of overweight and obesity among children aged 5 to 19 more than doubled, increasing from 8.5% to nearly 19%. Notably, in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, over 40% of school-aged children are facing this condition, surpassing the global average. (*)

This article will help parents identify early signs of overweight and obesity in children, as well as guide them on proper care, nutrition, and physical activity to support healthier child development.

CHILDREN WITH OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY FACE MULTIPLE HEALTH RISKS

Overweight and obesity are not merely aesthetic concerns; children living with overweight or obesity face a higher risk of serious health issues compared to their peers. Specifically, they are at risk for precocious (early) puberty and conditions typically seen in older adults, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and atherosclerosis.

SIGNS TO IDENTIFY OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN CHILDREN

To assess whether a child is overweight or obese and to what extent, visual observation alone is insufficient. Parents should rely on scientific methods, primarily the widely used standard recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO): the Body Mass Index (BMI).

However, child BMI interpretation differs from adults. Children have age- and sex-specific growth charts based on WHO standards. Therefore, the same BMI value may carry different clinical interpretations depending on the child.

Below is the BMI classification guide for children by age and sex to help parents monitor their child's development and adjust care accordingly:

• For children under 5 years old (0 to <5 years):

  • > +2 SD: Overweight

  • > +3 SD: Obese

• For children aged 5 to 19 years:

  • > +1 SD: Overweight

  • > +2 SD: Obese

WHAT IS THE RIGHT WAY TO HELP CHILDREN LOSE WEIGHT?

Parents should not self-impose restrictive diets such as low-carb or keto on children. During this growth phase, children require balanced energy and adequate nutrients to support physical growth, height, brain development, learning, and daily play.

Cutting out essential carbohydrates or core nutrient groups can lead to:

• Fatigue and low energy levels

• Stunted physical and cognitive development

• Reduced learning capacity and social interaction

• Higher risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Instead, parents should consult a pediatric nutritionist to evaluate the child's daily diet and lifestyle habits, creating a tailored nutrition and activity plan suited to their specific age group.

Through clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, or imaging when necessary, doctors can also detect early complications of obesity—such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, fatty liver, or diabetes—for timely intervention.

9 TIPS FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT IN CHILDREN

• 0 sugary foods and drinks (watch out for high-sugar fruits).

• $\ge$ 1 hour of physical activity.

• $\le$ 2 hours of screen time (TV, phone, video games).

• 3 servings of skimmed milk or low-fat dairy products.

• 4 glasses of water daily.

• $\ge$ 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily.

• $\ge$ 6 days of home-cooked meals per week (reduce eating out).

• 7 breakfasts per week — never skip breakfast.

• 8 hours of nightly sleep.

Accompanying your child in building a healthy lifestyle today is the best way to support their long-term growth and prevent future diseases.

CarePlus International Clinics offer specialized pediatric nutrition consultations with an experienced and dedicated team of pediatricians from major Children's Hospitals.

CarePlus provides a comprehensive Pediatric Obesity Screening Package designed to evaluate nutritional status and screen for early health complications associated with childhood overweight and obesity.

THE CAREPLUS PEDIATRIC OBESITY SCREENING PACKAGE INCLUDES:

1. Doctor Consultation & Evaluation

• Medical history review and obesity severity assessment

• 24h Recall – In-depth 24-hour dietary intake assessment

• Nutrition counseling and healthy lifestyle guidance

• Diet monitoring via food diaries

2. Diagnostic Imaging

• Abdominal ultrasound to check for fatty liver

• Ovarian ultrasound screening for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in young girls (if indicated)

3. Laboratory Tests

• Fasting Plasma Glucose

• Liver Function Tests: AST, ALT

• Lipid Profile: HDL, LDL, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides

• Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D)

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Ferritin

Parents who wish to book an appointment, please inbox the CarePlus Fanpage or call our toll-free hotline at 1800 6116 for consultation and scheduling.