Childhood Obesity Specialist in New Jersey & New York
We PROVIDE CARE IN DAYS (NOT MONTHS) & DIRECT MD ACCESS
Dr. Shilpa Kumta, Board-Certified Childhood Obesity Specialist in NJ & NY
Dr. Kumta is a triple Board Certified physician in Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology and Obesity Medicine (Board Certification in Obesity Medicine via. the American Board of Obesity Medicine, or “ABOM”).
Through an approach based on the principles of medicine (not “fads” or “quick fixes”), Dr. Kumta customizes a treatment plan for each child and adolescent, based on their unique challenges.
Dr. Kumta's focus on identifying root causes driving obesity and weight challenges enables her to treat each child based on medical issues, sleep, diet & nutrition, genetic, social, behavioral and other potential factors.
Specifically, Dr. Kumta's proprietary “LEANER” program systematically identifies issues to help children and adolescents become Lean through evaluation and addressing of Endocrine issues, Activity levels, Nutrition, Emotions, and Rest.
Childhood Obesity Treatment in New Jersey & New York
L - Getting Lean, our Program Overview
L - Getting Lean, our Program Overview
L - Getting Lean, our Program Overview
Maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge for all of us - and especially our children. Conventional 'quick-fix' solutions rarely deliver sustained results. That's because reaching (and maintaining) a healthy weight requires ongoing management of numerous variables, customized for each individual child based on an understanding of the delicate equilibriums of our body, guided by medicine - not fads.
E - Endocrinology
L - Getting Lean, our Program Overview
L - Getting Lean, our Program Overview
Our approach begins with a thorough medical evaluation to identify any potential physical conditions (genetic-based or otherwise) which may be impeding the ability to reach a healthy weight (as defined by age-appropriate medical standards). Sometimes, medical interventions to address underlying root-causes can remove structural barriers to our children's weight loss journey.
A - Activity
L - Getting Lean, our Program Overview
N - Nutrition
It's well understood that being active helps maintain a healthy weight. However, what's less well understood is some forms of activity are more effective and sustainable than others, and because every child is different, there's no 'one-size-fits-all'. We will work closely together to design a program specific that enables us to 'meet your child where they are'.
N - Nutrition
E - Empathy, Encouragement & Emotional Management
N - Nutrition
Studies have shown that, aside from medical challenges, diet plays a pivotal role in reaching a healthy weight. However, managing weight via. diet is especially challenging for children given the fact that they are growing and developing. Strict caloric restriction is the wrong solution. Rather, recognizing that all calories are not created equal is critical. A balanced diet delivering adequate nutrition is absolutely required for growing children. We will work together to update the diet of your child not only to support their journey to a healthy weight, but provide them with the foundational education and tools to make wise dietary decisions for the rest of their lives.
E - Empathy, Encouragement & Emotional Management
E - Empathy, Encouragement & Emotional Management
E - Empathy, Encouragement & Emotional Management
With the advent of social media, along with many other forms of peer pressure driving body image issues, our children are more vulnerable to mental health challenges than ever before. At it's foundation, our program to support your child will recognize the extent to which children need emotional support, empathy and encouragement throughout each stage of their journey. We will work with parents to make sure our children can be the best version of themselves as they grow.
R - Rest
E - Empathy, Encouragement & Emotional Management
E - Empathy, Encouragement & Emotional Management
Metabolic studies have clearly identified the extent to which rest not only supports growth from an endocrine perspective, but weight management as well. We will work with you and your children to optimize the amount of rest they receive during this busy phase of their lives (as sleep often falls victim to numerous other priorities during adolescence).
Frequently Asked Questions
A pediatric obesity specialist is a pediatrician who has elected to pursue one additional year of focused study in relation to diagnosing, treating, and preventing obesity in children and adolescents.
These specialists aim to address the complex medical, psychological, and social factors contributing to obesity and work closely with families to promote healthy growth and development of children. Concerns addressed by a pediatric obesity specialist include:
Diagnosis and Assessment: Thorough medical evaluations to identify the causes of obesity by reviewing the child's growth patterns, body mass index (BMI), and other health conditions e.g. diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
Nutritional Counseling: Customized dietary plans aligned to each child’s age, activity level, medical and nutritional needs as well as the dietary preference of families
Physical Activity Guidance: Developing customized physical activity plans that are safe, sustainable and enjoyable for children, prioritizing regular exercise vs. sedentary behavior
Behavioral and Psychological Support: Counseling & support to address emotional and psychological factors related to obesity (e.g. low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety)
Medical Management: Monitoring/managing obesity-related health conditions and, if/when necessary, prescribing medications to help manage weight issues (in rare cases, surgical paths can also be considered)
Preventive Care and Education: Preventive measures reducing risk of obesity during foundational years, including breastfeeding, healthy infant feeding practices, and active play in early childhood.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Aligning with a team of healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, dietitians, psychologists, and physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care.
If you have concerns about your child's weight, t’s never too soon to see an obesity specialist as early interventions can make a huge difference in the long term health of your child. Some considerations may include: persistence of weight gain, rate of increase, related social/esteem issues, family history, your child's demeanor and level of activity, etc.
Technically, from a medical perspective, if you’re child’s BMI is above the 85th percentile, intervention for weight would be recommended.
Here’s a handy guide from the CDC which will help you assess your child’s BMI:
Please contact us at 201-989-6377 to schedule a consultation for your child.
You can expect a thorough of your child’s medical condition as well as a comprehensive discussion of factors that may be driving your child’s weight, including Nutrition, Activity, Rest, etc.
To schedule an appointment, please call 201-989-6377 or complete the Contact Us form on our website and we will contact you on the same business day.
Our pricing for obesity consultations are transparently provided here .
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