#asktheexpert

Good morning mam

my son aged 4yr 2months his weight 33 kgs, will you suggest any tests to find out if there is any risk behind his weight or to find out the reason for obesity.

Question

#asktheexpert

Good morning mam

my son aged 4yr 2months his weight  33 kgs, will you suggest any tests to find out if there is any risk behind his weight or to find out the reason for obesity.

Accepted Answer

At 4 years and 2 months, a weight of 33 kg is significantly higher than the average weight for children of that age, which could indicate a risk for obesity or underlying health concerns. It’s important to address this situation to ensure your child’s long-term health. Here are some steps and tests that could help understand the reason for the weight gain:

1. Consult a Pediatrician: First and foremost, consult with your pediatrician to discuss your child’s weight. A doctor will be able to assess whether this weight is due to genetics, diet, or any underlying medical conditions.

2. Growth Charts: Your doctor will likely use growth charts to determine if your child is outside the normal weight range for his age and height. This can help identify if the weight is proportionate to his height.

3. Blood Tests: Certain blood tests can help identify medical conditions such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), insulin resistance, or other metabolic issues that could contribute to excessive weight gain. A complete blood count (CBC), thyroid function tests, and fasting glucose levels could be helpful.

4. Diet and Lifestyle Review: A thorough review of your child’s diet and physical activity levels is essential. Sometimes, excessive weight gain can be due to overeating or a lack of physical activity, but other factors like emotional eating or genetics may also play a role.

5. Endocrinological Evaluation: In rare cases, obesity in children can be linked to hormonal imbalances, which may require evaluation by a pediatric endocrinologist.

6. Psychological Factors: In some cases, emotional or behavioral factors (such as stress or comfort eating) can contribute to overeating. Discussing these aspects with a pediatrician or psychologist might be useful.

It’s essential to take action sooner rather than later to ensure your child’s overall well-being, as early interventions can help prevent future health issues like diabetes or heart disease.