Pediatric Obesity Treatment in Port St. Lucie, FL

Obesity Specialty Services in Florida

For children dealing with chronic obesity problems, the solution is not always as simple as just eating less. Instead, many types of obesity may be a symptom of underlying conditions. It is important to consult with an obesity doctor and find the right treatment for your child.

Is Your Child Struggling With Weight Control?

Children have a different body composition than adults, so recognizing the need for childhood obesity treatment might be challenging. From a medical perspective, obesity is calculated based on Body Mass Index, a formula that considers your child’s height and weight. If their BMI is at or above the 95th percentile for children in their age group, the child is obese.

According to your obesity doctor, there are also some other signs that a child may be dealing with obesity:

  • Darkening skin around the neck, underarms, groin, or other body folds
  • Complaints of joint pain in the hips or knees
  • Getting out of breath while climbing stairs, running, or doing other physical activities
  • Having high cholesterol and blood pressure during checkups
  • A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes

Common Obesity Problems to Be Aware Of

Many parents avoid selecting a child obesity program because they think childhood obesity is just a minor issue their child will grow out of. However, obesity can cause health problems at any stage in life, so childhood obesity treatment is quite important. If your child is obese, your obesity specialist reports that they may develop problems such as:

  • High blood pressure and increased risk of heart problems
  • Insulin resistance and increased diabetes risk
  • Asthma, sleep apnea, and other breathing issues
  • Low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression
  • Joint issues or musculoskeletal pain
  • Gallstones and fatty liver disease
  • Heartburn

Furthermore, children who are obese are not always likely to lose weight on their own. Childhood obesity management issues greatly increase a person’s chance of being obese as an adult. Without addressing the issue early on, your child may face a lifetime of health problems.

Explore Our Child Obesity Program

At the Pediatric Endocrine and Metabolic Center of Florida, our obesity specialists have the training and experience needed to address this health issue. Our pediatric obesity clinic starts by carefully examining your child’s health. In many cases, difficulties with weight control may be due to certain hormonal imbalances or other endocrine issues. If these issues are diagnosed, our obesity doctors will recommend an appropriate treatment. 

Then they will move on to dealing with the lifestyle factors that can cause obesity management issues. Our pediatric obesity clinic will help you to find an appropriate diet for your child. They may discuss specific portion sizes for your child that help your child to lose weight at a safe and healthy rate. We can also help with things like increasing physical activity, finding healthier alternatives, and reducing overconsumption.

If your family is dealing with obesity, there is hope. The Pediatric Endocrine and Metabolic Center of Florida is here to help your child get healthy again. Contact us now to schedule an appointment. 

“We have known Dr. (Palau) Collazo for several years now and she is a wonderful doctor. She is extremely professional but has an amazing bedside manner. She couldn’t be more interested in her patients health but also well being. I recommend her and those in her group highly.”

Barbara S.