"Is my child severely overweight? How can I tell?"

Let's figure out your child's BMI percentile. This is the easiest way to assess the level of body fat. If your child is overweight, we will work with your pediatrician and figure out a suitable program for weight loss. We may need to adjust his asthma medications to improve on his exercise tolerance.

Don't give up on your child, and don't stay in denial. It will be much easier - and more beneficial - to help your child, pre-teen and teenager now rather than later on in their lives.

If you allow your child to become or remain obese, their asthma will be more difficult to control and therefore contribute to further weight gain (because of limitations on exercise and activities).

Questions to Ask Yourself and Discuss With Your Doctor

Do you have concerns or fears about your child's weight and asthma control?

What steps do you intend to take?

Have you already tried and failed?

Do you have other suggestions or experiences?