By Lisa Kenigsberg, MD,

Broward Health Coral Springs, Pediatric Endocrinologist

For parents, it can be very difficult to know if their child is growing appropriately in both height and weight. Once children reach school age, they often visit their pediatrician’s office only once a year. There can be so much to cover in that one visit, that there is not always enough room for parents to ask all of their questions about their child’s growth. Most parents are familiar with growth charts and percentiles, but it can be hard to identify the normal percentile for their child.

There are many factors that contribute to growth. One of the most important aspects to consider is parental heights. Mom and dad’s height plays a large role in how tall their child will be. Other factors, like nutrition and timing of puberty, contribute as well. You can also visit a thyroid specialist edmonton to check for thyroid hormone abnormalities, deficiency of growth hormone, or any chronic medical condition like celiac disease, sickle cell disease, or heart disease, can also hinder normal growth.

A child’s weight is another important measurement for parents to track with their pediatricians. Children that are underweight may also not grow well in height. Often, being underweight can be a sign of an underlying medical condition- a pediatrician may recommend a visit to a pediatric gastroenterologist if there is difficulty gaining weight. Since a proper guidance is essential at this stage of growth, view NovaGenix for expert advice.

Obesity, or being overweight, is another common medical problem that is increasing in prevalence as our lifestyles have become low in exercise but high in calories. There are some steps parents can take to avoid obesity such as excluding sugary drinks or soda and controlling the quality and amount of carbohydrates in their children’s diets. Exercise is also extremely important. Children are spending more time indoors and less time playing outside. This reduction in activity level is contributing significantly to the obesity epidemic.

It is important to remember that no two children are alike. The best way to tell how to improve your child’s nutrition is to meet with your pediatrician, a specialist who cares for children with obesity like a pediatric endocrinologist, or with a nutritionist. Screening for any underlying medical condition as the cause of weight gain is very important and a doctor can assess all possibilities.

In general, your child’s growth in both height and weight should be evaluated on an ongoing basis. Look out for signs of concern like rapid increases or decreases in height or weight percentiles, or height or weight measurements that are below or above the standard growth curves. If needed, they can then refer you to an eating disorder treatment center for further evaluation.

To learn more about this topic and to find answers to your questions, Broward Health Coral Springs is hosting a free lecture with pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Lisa Kenigsberg on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 from 6-7pm at the hospital’s Medical Office Complex at 3100 Coral Hills Drive. For more information or to register, please call 954-759-7400, and select option 5.