Weight Management

The prevalence of overweight among children and adolescents has increased substantially; it is estimated that as many as 16 percent of children and adolescents are overweight, representing a doubling of the rate among children and tripling of the rate among adolescents. A high prevalence of overweight and obesity is of great public health concern because excess body fat leads to a higher risk for premature death, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, respiratory dysfunction, gout, osteoarthritis, and certain kinds of cancers.

Ideally, the goal for adults is to achieve and maintain a body weight that optimizes their health. However, for obese adults, even modest weight loss (e.g., 10 pounds) has health benefits, and the prevention of further weight gain is very important. For overweight children and adolescents, the goal is to slow the rate of weight gain while achieving normal growth and development. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout childhood may reduce the risk of becoming an overweight or obese adult. Eating fewer calories while increasing physical activity are the keys to controlling body weight.

People at a healthy weight should strive to maintain their weight, and underweight individuals may need to increase their weight.

• To maintain body weight in a healthy range, balance calories from foods and beverages with calories expended.
• To prevent gradual weight gain over time, make small decreases in food and beverage calories and increase physical activity.
• Those who need to lose weight. Aim for a slow, steady weight loss by decreasing calorie intake while maintaining an adequate nutrient intake and increasing physical activity.
• Overweight children. Reduce the rate of body weight gain while allowing growth and development. Consult a health care provider before placing a child on a weight reduction diet.
• Pregnant women. Ensure appropriate weight gain as specified by a health care provider.
• Breastfeeding women. Moderate weight reduction is safe and does not compromise weight gain of the nursing infant.
• Overweight adults and overweight children with chronic diseases and/or on medication. Consult a health care provider about weight loss strategies prior to starting a weight reduction program to ensure appropriate management of other health conditions.