UNDERSTANDING
Signal Hill City Council
Presented by
Kayla Crisostomo and Katherine Noriega
September 23, 2025
OBESITY IN
CHILDREN
Childhood obesity is a
medical condition where
excess body fat negatively
affects a child’s health and
well-being. It is diagnosed
using Body Mass Index (BMI),
calculated from a child’s
weight and height and
compared to standardized
growth charts.
INTRODUCTION
TO CHILDHOOD
OBESITY
According to the CDC,
1 in 5 children in the U.S. is obese.
CAUSES OF
CHILD OBESITY
Irregular Sleep Patterns:
Poor sleep habits, distrupted
hormones affects metabolism
Emotional & Psychological:
Stress, anxiety, or depression.
Food used as a way to cope
Dietary Factors:
High-calorie, processed foods,
sugary drinks
Physical Inactivity:
Screen time, lack of exercise
Genetics & Medical Factors:
Family history, metabolic
disorders
Environmental Factors:
Socioeconomic status, food
deserts
IMPACT ON
CHILDREN
Consequences:
• Health: Earlier onset of chronic diseases
(diabetes, heart disease, joint issues).
• Healthcare Costs: Higher demand for
medical care, increasing financial strain.
• Quality of Life: Reduced physical activity,
emotional distress, social stigma.
• Family & Society: Strained family dynamics,
economic impact on healthcare systems.
Research from the American Heart
Association states that the obesity
epidemic might shorten the lifespan
of the current generation of children.
Motivational interviewing to
engage patients and families.
Intensive health behavior and
lifestyle treatment or family
healthy weight programs.
Anti-obesity medications for
adolescents 12+ years with
obesity.
Bariatric surgery referral for
adolesents 13+ years with
severe obesity.
CLINICAL GUIDELINE
RECOMMENDATIONS
2023 AAP recommends treating overweight, obesity,
and related comorbidites with a family-centered,
non-stigmatizing approach.
WEIGHT LOSS
MEDICATIONS
FOR CHILDREN?
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Long-term daily subcutaneous injection
• Approved for children 12 years and older with obesity ⚬ With or without diabetes
• Effect: Reduces hunger and appetite. Helps you feel
full longer by slowing down digestion.
⚬ Provides blood sugar lowering and heart benefits.
⚬ ~5% BMI reduction over one year
• Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood
sugar. May cause kidney damage from dehydration
due to severe vomiting or diarrhea.
5-Pen Package (5x3mL)
• Cash Price = $1,349.02
• Insurance may cover
PREVENTION
STRATEGIES
Healthy Diet:
• Encouraging balanced meals,
portion control, reducing
sugar intake
Exercise & Activity:
• Daily movement, school-based
programs, reducing screen
time
Parental & School Involvement:
• Role of caregivers and
educational institutions
KEY
NUTRITIONAL
COMPONENTS
• Carbohydrates: The main
source of energy, best
consumed from whole
grains, fruits, and
vegetables.
• Proteins: Crucial for muscle
repair and overall growth,
from sources like lean
meats, legumes, and nuts.
• Fats: Essential for brain
health and energy, focusing
on unsaturated fats from
olive oil, avocado, and fish.
• Vitamins and Minerals:
Support immune function,
bone health, and metabolic
processes.
CDC states that frozen and canned fruits
and vegetables are often less expensive
than fresh and are still good for you.
Water aids digestion, regulates temperature, and lubricates joints, especially during exercise. Hydration prevents fatigue, supports muscles, and boosts metabolism, helping with weight management.
Active children have stronger muscles, better heart health, and lower body fat.
• Ages 3–5: Should be active throughout the day
• Ages 6–17: Need at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity
HYDRATION
AND
EXERCISE
PARENTAL AND
SCHOOL
INVOLVEMENT
Excess screen time can cause poor sleep,
weight gain, and lower grades. Parents can
help by setting limits, encouraging outdoor
play, and promoting family activities like
shared meals.
Nearly 60% of children under five receive
nonparental care weekly. Early care and
education (ECE) programs support healthy
habits, emotional well-being, academic
success, and long-term health.
There’s no single solution to obesity,
but parents and caregivers can
support healthy weight and lifelong
habits at home.
Bonus Tip: Pharmacists can guide
families on nutrition and lifestyle
changes to help prevent the need for
obesity-related medications in children.
PHARMACIST’S
ROLE
• Medication Counseling: Managing obesityrelated conditions (diabetes, hypertension) • Screening & Referrals: Identifying at-risk
children and referring them to specialized
healthcare providers
• Community Engagement: Advocating for
health programs and school-based
interventions
THANK YOU
Your Child’s Health Journey Starts Today
We appreciate your time and attention.
Remember, every small step towards
healthier eating makes a significant impact
on your well-being. For any questions or
further discussion, feel free to reach out!
REFERENCES
1.American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with obesity. Pediatrics, 151(2), e2022060640. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2022-060640
2.Daniels, S. R., Jacobson, M. S., McCrindle, B. W., Eckel, R. H., & Sanner, B. M. (2009).
American Heart Association childhood obesity research summit: Executive summary.
Circulation, 119(15), e489-e517. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.192215
3.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Evidence-based guidelines for child obesity. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html
4.Novo Nordisk. (2025). Saxenda® pricing. Retrieved from [Company Document].