Childhood Obesity Experts undecided on screening children
July 28, 2005

Experts found no compelling evidence to recommend screening children or adolescents for obesity. They speculate that screening children will affect their self esteem, eating habits and also weaken family relations. Unintentional harm will worsen the complications associated with childhood obesity.

Medical practitioners today use BMI which takes into account a child's height and weight to determine their obesity levels. Since BMI does not consider genetic factors, ethnicity and gender as risk factors doctors find it increasingly difficult to improve the health of children who have weight problems.

Family support is the prime way to influence children into eating healthy. Health programs, doctor's advice and exercises are secondary factors which determine a child's level of obesity. Doctor's recommend that instead of using the word 'diet' children should be encouraged to watch less television, play more and eat healthy.

To get more information visit:
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com