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Trim down: University physician combats childhood obesity Bite-by-bite, children are packing on the pounds. One in five Missouri kids are now considered overweight. Poor eating habits and a lack of exercise are threatening to create a health crisis for generations to come. Aneesh Tosh, MD, a physician specializing in adolescent medicine for University of Missouri Health Care, is weighing in on the problem of childhood obesity. Tosh specializes in the treatment of adolescent obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Through his obesity clinic, Tosh is identifying potential health risks in overweight children and helping them control their weight. “This is a crucial time to make an intervention,” said Tosh. “If adolescents carry unhealthy habits and behaviors into adulthood, it can be very difficult for them to make serious lifestyle changes.” Most children begin gaining weight at puberty, when hormonal changes start. In some children, a family history of weight gain contributes to the condition, while at other times an unhealthy lifestyle can cause concern. Tosh meets individually with each child and assesses potential physical, mental and social problems associated with obesity. Obese children face numerous health risks. Conditions like sleep apnea, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and depression can lead to potentially more serious health concerns later in life. Overweight children are sometimes subjected to teasing and bullying and are much more likely to have depression and anxiety issues than their peers. Tosh works in partnership with a pediatric dietician to establish a healthy diet. Because many teenagers do not keep track of calories, making them aware of healthy food and drink alternatives is the first step. Cutting calories may include switching from whole milk to skim milk or eating fresh fruit instead of drinking fruit juices. “We are looking for potentially easy ways to reduce calories,” said Tosh. “For example, if they are drinking regular soda, can we switch them to a diet soda?” Exercise can provide a means for weight loss. Most children require an hour of physical activity a day to maintain a healthy weight and build strong bones and muscle. Simple physical activities can burn calories and improve physical fitness. Parents should also limit the amount of time children spend in front of the television and computers. “Overcoming childhood obesity requires the commitment of the entire family,” said Tosh. “It’s hard to change behaviors, but with a strong support group, weight loss goals can be achieved.” University of Missouri Health Care’s system of hospitals, clinics and telehealth sites employs approximately 6,000 clinicians, scientists, educators and other health professionals. The system includes University Hospital and Clinics, Children’s Hospital, Columbia Regional Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and University Physicians, all based in Columbia, Mo. The health system also includes a long-term acute care facility, Missouri Rehabilitation Center, in Mount Vernon, Mo. Academic affiliates of the health system include the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Sinclair School of Nursing and School of Health Professions. Other affiliates of the health system include Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia, Mo.; Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Mo., and Cooper County Memorial Hospital in Boonville, Mo. |
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