Question
A parent is concerned about their 5-year-old daughter’s weight and inquires about the standards for pediatric obesity.
Answer
The standard for a child’s weight is calculated based on height. Children whose weight exceeds the average standard by more than 20% are defined as obese, with 20% to 29% being considered mild obesity, 30% to 49% moderate obesity, and over 50% severe obesity. A child is considered obese if their weight (in kilograms) divided by their height (in meters) squared is greater than 20, or if their weight exceeds two standard deviations above the average weight of children of the same gender and age group. Pediatric obesity is often related to dietary habits, and it is recommended to increase physical activity, consume more fruits and vegetables, and reduce meat intake.