Childhood Obesity

Overview

Pediatricians typically diagnose overweight and obesity at well-child checks. They use BMI-for-age growth charts to measure size and growth patterns in children.

A high BMI may be a sign of high body fat. BMI doesn’t measure body fat directly. But it alerts your child’s provider that your child may need more tests to see if excess body fat is an issue. BMI percentile cutoffs define a level above which your child may be more likely to develop weight-related health issues.

Your child’s pediatrician will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your child’s health history, behaviors and environment. They’ll likely order other tests, like blood or imaging tests, to check for possible underlying causes of obesity and/or any obesity-related health conditions.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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