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Why is it important to screen adolescents for a healthy weight?

One in five children is overweight in the United States. It is the most common childhood health problem. Being overweight or obese is preventable and treatable. Obesity can lead to many lifelong physical and social problems including depression, eating disorders, diabetes, and heart disease.

How should doctors conduct healthy weight screening during adolescence?

Doctors should determine your adolescent’s “body mass index” or BMI. A BMI is one way to measure body fat and it is calculated based on your adolescent’s height and weight. Your doctor should use your adolescent’s BMI as a starting point to help him/her establish a plan to eat more fruits and vegetables and be physically active.

Talk with your doctor and health plan to find out what other services are available to help your child eat healthy, keep active and maintain a healthy weight. Many health plans offer additional support and resources to help children stay well. These additional services for children and their parents may be educational materials (online and in print), classes or support groups, or phone counseling. Some health plans offer weight management programs.