Childhood Obesity

Severe obesity is becoming increasingly common; it affects health, growth, and development, and can cause symptoms even at a young age. This calls for appropriate care.

About 1 in 7 children is overweight. About 3 to 4% of these children are severely overweight. We call that obesity.
Children often don’t like that word. They prefer to say they are “too heavy” or “sturdy.”

Severe obesity affects a child’s health, growth, and development. It’s also difficult to lose the weight. That’s why, as doctors, we view it as a chronic disease: something that requires long-term care and attention. More and more children are experiencing health issues related to their weight at a young age.
Want to know if your child is at a healthy weight?
Use the BMI calculator from the Netherlands Nutrition Center.

What are the possible causes?

Many people think that being overweight is caused solely by eating too much and not exercising enough.
But if it were that simple, there wouldn’t be an increasing number of overweight children and adults.

The reality is much more complicated. There are several factors at play, such as:

  • Nutrition and Exercise
  • Sleep and Routine
  • Medications or an underlying medical condition
  • Emotions and Stress
  • Family Situation and Environment
  • Construction

That balance is different for every child. We often say, “Every child has their own puzzle.” All of these factors must be in balance in order to achieve a healthy weight. The biggest influence comes from the food environment. Food is available everywhere, many products are high in sugar and fat, and children are tempted by them all day long.
Their brains are still developing and have a hard time saying “no” to all those temptations. Neither a child nor a parent can do anything about this—it’s not a matter of blame or willpower.

What can you do on your own?

Stay your child’s biggest fan

Parents want the best for their child, but talking about weight can be difficult.
Criticism or comments about your child’s body can be very hurtful.
Above all, try to listen and work together to figure out what might be going on.
The questionnaire at Checkoorzakenovergewicht helps you identify which factors may be at play for your child.

Do it together as a family

A child can’t do this alone.
A healthy lifestyle is important for the whole family—including brothers and sisters who aren’t overweight. Don’t treat children differently.
Don’t talk about “weight,” but about living a healthy life and feeling good about yourself.

Learn what a healthy lifestyle means for children

Children are not just little adults. They have different nutritional and physical activity needs. On the Netherlands Nutrition Center ’s website, you’ll find clear tips on healthy eating and physical activity for children. Under “More Information,” you’ll find additional helpful advice.

Seek help early

Is it not working out well enough? Then don’t wait too long.
The sooner you get help, the better the chances that your child can grow up healthy.
You can contact your family doctor or the GGD’s pediatrician for advice or a referral.

When should you see a pediatrician?

Your family doctor or pediatrician will determine whether your child needs a referral to a pediatrician.
This is typically done, for example, when:

  • It is unclear what is causing the excess weight.
  • My weight continues to rise, despite making healthy lifestyle changes.
  • Health problems can develop, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea.
  • More specialized treatment is needed.

What do we do?

We have a special clinic for children who are severely overweight:“PositiefOverGewicht.”
We call it that because we focus on what is possible.

The sooner we start working together to provide support, the better it is for the future.
It’s helpful if all caregivers are present at the first meeting.
In subsequent meetings, we’ll also talk with older children without their parents, if that feels right.

During the first visit:

  • We’ll listen carefully to your story.

  • Let’s discuss what you’ve tried so far.

  • We will examine your child calmly and carefully.

  • We measure height, weight, and blood pressure.

  • If necessary, we’ll schedule appointments for blood tests or other additional tests.

Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you reach a healthier weight.

What does the treatment involve?

The treatment is a step-by-step process:

  1. Research into the causes of obesity.

  2. Support for lifestyle changes. We work together with the school nurse, dietitian, and physical therapist—preferably right in your neighborhood.

  3. Medication (ages 10 and up). For children ages 10 and up, we may consider treatment with medication in some cases.

  4. Gastric bypass surgery (very rare). In exceptional cases, a child may be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery.
    For this procedure, we collaborate with our colleagues at the OLVG.

We believe it’s important for parents and children to feel seen and heard.
Together, we’ll take it one step at a time toward a healthier future.

More information

Frequently Asked Questions

With a referral from your primary care physician or pediatrician, care provided by a pediatrician is covered under basic health insurance. There is no deductible for children, so our care won’t cost you anything. You can find more information about this on the reimbursement page.

If your child is already receiving treatment from us, you can request repeat prescriptions for medication or authorizations for special dietary needs. You can do this by calling or sending an email to the location where your child is registered.

I would like to make an appointment

To make an appointment at De Kinderartsenpraktijk in Amsterdam, The Hague, or Rotterdam, you’ll need a referral from your family doctor or pediatrician.

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