Understanding Obesity and Weight

Will my child outgrow obesity?

30-70% of overweight children older than 8 years old will remain overweight as adults. This percentage increases significantly if the child's parents are overweight.

Why do I have to worry if my child is overweight?

Overweight children tend to become overweight adults.

Overweight and obesity can lead to multiple health problems including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, sleep apnea, reduced mental health, and musculoskeletal pain—to name a few.

One study reported that the quality of life of overweight children is similar to that of children with cancer!

Why should I lose weight?

Aside from the health benefits, losing weight can improve your well-being and quality of life. Furthermore, losing weight has the potential to help prevent obesity in future generations.

How do I lose weight?

• Individual and family lifestyle changes that involve a healthier diet and increased activity are essential. See our health resources and learn more about how to integrate healthy foods and physical activity into your family's lifestyle.
• Let your child's primary care physician know that you are ready to make changes and need their support. A referral to our clinic can provide you with a multidisciplinary evaluation and other resources including nutrition education, physical activity education, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• In select cases, weight-loss surgery may be an option to help you to achieve and maintain a healthy weight in combination with lifestyle changes. 
• Contact your community representatives to support public-health and policy efforts to promote optimal nutrition in schools/advertisements/supermarkets and to promote physical activity in schools and in the community.

Click here to learn more about the UCLA Fit for Healthy Weight Clinic. If you schedule an appointment with our clinic, visit our Healthy Weight Clinic page.