My child's weight is a worry

What is a healthy weight?

We tend to use words like 'overweight' and 'obese' for anyone who's a bit on the chubby side. But these terms, along with 'underweight', have specific meanings that can be measured. For children, we use growth charts to measure weight, comparing them against children of the same age and height.

Note that for adults the well-known Body Mass Index (BMI) alone is used to measure healthy weight. With children, BMI is combined with further information in growth charts to account for the fact that children are still growing.

Growth details
Recently updated growth charts for boys and girls up to 20 years of age (State Government of Victoria).

What to do about overweight

If your child is overweight or obese, don't over-react but don't 'under-react' either:

• Remember that, like all children, an overweight child needs support, acceptance and encouragement
• Don't make them feel bad because of their weight – they're still the same person after all, no matter what their weight
• Focus on changing the whole family's activity levels, not just your child's
• Don't put your child on a diet, as they will still be growing and this may deprive them of essential nutrients. Instead, feed them and your family healthy food.

If you have any concerns about your child being overweight, contact your GP.

What if my child is overweight?
A good website with information on healthy eating and the dangers of dieting for children. Check the linked pages as well (Seesaw Project, a not-for-profit health organisation in Victoria).

Weight problems in childhood
Answers questions like 'What is normal development?' and 'What can parents do about overweight?' (Child and Youth Health, South Australia).

What to do about underweight

Being underweight can be normal for a child who is growing and developing and has a healthy diet. However, being underweight can also be a sign of a problem and you should consider taking your child to the doctor is they are not gaining or have recently lost weight or have stomach problems such as diarrhea or vomiting. Eating disorders can also an issue for some children.

Eating disorders
Types of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, plus recommendations, treatment, support groups and real-life stories (Eating Disorders Foundation).

What the experts say

Here are some articles giving a professional perspective on children's weight issues.

Weight of Opinion
General Practicioners perceptions about child and adolescent overweight and obesity.

Treatment of childhood obesity
An article from the Australian Prescriber journal, looking at assessing weight, taking a family approach, and changing food and activity habits.

Childhood obesity: modernity's scourge
An article from the Medical Journal of Australia looking at energy imbalance and how families and society can tackle childhood obesity. Has links to many related articles.

Management and prevention of obesity
Another article from the Medical Journal of Australia, emphasising a whole-family approach to dealing with childhood obesity, as well as other approaches.

Obesity - a world problem
Detailed information about overweight and obesity from a global perspective (World Health Organisation).