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Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to your child’s growth, development, health, and well-being. At Valcourt Pediatric Associates in Aiken, Hardeeville, and Walterboro, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia, board-certified pediatrician Yvrose Valcourt, MD, and pediatric nurse practitioner Whitney Lutz, NP, provide personalized weight management support for children, adolescents, and teenagers. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more. The practice also offers telehealth care for convenient visits.
Weight Management Q&A
What is pediatric weight management?
Pediatric weight management aims to promote healthy growth and development while addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of weight-related concerns in children, adolescents, and teenagers.
The pediatric specialists at Valcourt Pediatric Associates work with you and your child to identify potential risk factors for and signs of weight-related health concerns. They educate, guide, and support your child to help them adopt healthy lifestyle habits, achieve a sustainable weight, and develop a positive body image.
How do I know if my child needs weight management?
If your child’s pediatrician or family provider suspects their weight may pose a risk to their health, they will perform tests and health screenings such as:
Physical exam
A physical is a head-to-toe exam that can help reveal whether your child has any physical signs or symptoms that may indicate excess weight or potential health risks.
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI measures your child’s height against their weight to determine whether they fall within a healthy weight range. While BMI is a helpful tool to assess weight, it should remain complementary to other tests and screenings to ensure your provider gathers the complete picture of your child’s health.
Blood work
Blood work is essential to test your child’s cholesterol and blood sugar levels and identify any other markers that can provide valuable information about their overall health and potential risk factors.
What are the benefits of weight management?
Weight management offers many benefits for children of all ages, including:
- Reduced risk of weight-related chronic diseases (Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, etc.)
- Improved self-esteem and mental health
- Enhanced physical fitness
- Reduced chronic pain
- Better sleep quality
- Improved longevity and quality of life
- Boosted energy
- Better immune function
The pediatric specialists at Valcourt Pediatric Associates take a sensitive approach to weight management that focuses on adopting healthy habits, promoting body positivity, and providing personalized support.
What does weight management include?
Valcourt Pediatric Associates’ pediatric specialists work with you and your child to develop a personalized plan, which may include:
- Nutritional counseling
- Exercise support and guidance
- Ongoing monitoring
- In-house lab work
- Telehealth check-ins
- Mental health counseling
The team can also coordinate care with other specialists to ensure your child receives comprehensive support and maintains a healthy weight. Call Valcourt Pediatric Associates or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.