...... Healthy Weight Kids Coalition of Southern Kentucky is a coalition of health-related professionals and organizations with the goal of preventing and treating the serious  problem of overweight in children.

FAQ:

1. How can more than 15% of children be over the 85th percentile?

Good question! Of course, by definition, only 15% of children weigh more than the 85th percentile. The BMI 85th% levels are based on the 85th percentile weights of all children at each age in the year 1970. There is no special reason for picking that year, other than to use it as a baseline for future comparison.

Also, there is much data to show that weighing more than that level (1970 BMI 85th%) is associated with a marked increase in morbidity. It might be shown in the future that a different level is associated with healthier outcomes. But for now, 1970 BMI 85th% is our standard.

2. What is a quick way to calculate BMI when I don't have a BMI chart?

BMI is the weight divided by the square of the height. You just need to use your pocket calculator to enter WEIGHT (pounds) divided by HEIGHT (inches) divided by HEIGHT (inches, again), then multiply by 703 to convert the whole thing into metric. It just takes about 10 seconds, and it will become automatic after you do it a few times.

3. What billing codes can I use to bill for treatment of overweight in children?

 Most insurance currently does not cover treatment of overweight, per se, but this is likely to change in the future as more is learned of the health dangers of this condition. However, many insurance plans do currently reimburse for related conditions, such as "abnormal weight gain" and "eating disorder". Also, much of the treatment involves exercise and diet training and other forms of counseling, much of which can be reimbursed. We are currently working on a list of all the billing codes which are related to the treatment of overweight: CLICK HERE

4. Won't all this emphasis on fighting obesity lead to more anorexia nervosa?

While it may be possible that media emphasis on thinness may contribute to more expression of this underlying psychological disorder, the emphasis of AAP prevention and treatment guidelines is to achieve a certain weight range in order to be healthy, not in order to look a certain way. The treatments recommended are eating healthy foods and exercising, which are healthy activities for people of any initial weight. Following these guidelines will generally add weight to an underweight individual, and maintain a healthy weight for an average weight individual. This is why we treat the whole family, regardless of their initial weight status.

Physicians should still be alert for the possibility of anorexia nervosa in children who present with symptoms of that disorder. [see Eating Disorders Masked by Vegetarian Diet]