Obesity Specialist
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Good Choice Pediatrics Inc.
Anslem Oparaugo, MD, MPH
Pediatrician located in Las Vegas, NV
Obesity is among the most pressing public health concerns facing American families, and childhood obesity rates are on the rise. Dr. Oparaugo, in practice at Good Choice Pediatrics, is proud of the weight management results he’s created for many Las Vegas-area families. If you’re ready to get a treatment plan for your child’s weight issues, schedule an appointment online or call the office right away.
Obesity Q&A
Why is childhood obesity such a serious health issue?
Kids who are overweight or obese are at an elevated risk of the following:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Asthma
- Bone and joint disorders
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Bullying
- Social isolation
- Depression
The physical conditions on this list place enormous pressure on your child’s body, while the emotional conditions can keep your child from fully enjoying the simple pleasures of childhood.
What are the causes of childhood obesity?
There's no one clear cause of childhood obesity. Researchers believe that multiple factors combine to create excessive weight gain in some children.
Behavioral factors include consuming high-calorie foods with little nutritional value and drinking sugary beverages. The onslaught of marketing messages promoting these unhealthy foods is challenging.
Sedentary lifestyles filled with television and video games also contribute to weight gain. Some kids also struggle with the effects of medication and with sleep difficulties.
Community and environmental factors include day care centers and schools that provide inadequate nutrition. Availability of quality food options is also a problem in some communities. Lack of peer or social support can make it hard for kids to maintain a healthy weight.
How is childhood obesity treated?
The first step in treating childhood obesity is a thorough physical exam. Dr. Oparaugo uses height and weight calculations to determine your child’s body mass index (BMI). Those calculations are the primary measure used to identify kids who are overweight or obese.
Blood tests can provide insight into your child’s blood sugar, cholesterol, hormone balance, and other conditions. Once Dr. Oparaugo gathers all the necessary information, he creates a customized treatment plan.
The solution to weight loss sounds simple: Make healthy nutrition choices and increase physical activity levels. In reality, however, losing weight is far more complicated, for adults and children alike.
Dr. Oparaugo works with your child and with you to increase awareness of proper nutrition. He recommends physical activities that can help your child learn new habits and create new daily routines.
Working in partnership with a trusted physician can make it far easier to help your child reach his or her weight loss goals. Regular appointments provide measurable results that allow you to track progress, which increases motivation. If needed, Dr. Oparaugo can refer you to a specialist and follow up as treatment progresses.
When you’re ready to try a new weight management approach, schedule an appointment with Dr. Oparaugo today.
