Proactivity is key in childhood obesity fight
Obesity is one of today’s most pressing health challenges, touching the lives of both adults and children. At The Wright Center for Community Health, we are dedicated to addressing this issue with compassion, evidence-based care, and community-wide support – because every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and strong.
When it affects kids, it’s especially heartbreaking to witness. Unfortunately, rates of childhood obesity continue to rise across the nation. That’s why we wholeheartedly support campaigns such as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 U.S. children and adolescents are obese, with certain groups disproportionately affected, including minorities and those from low-income families. Not surprisingly, the costs of obesity – both to patients and to the health care system – are staggering.

Manju Mary Thomas, M.D., is board-certified in pediatrics and obesity medicine. She provides primary and preventive care for pediatric and adolescent patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn. To make an appointment, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Just like adults, children who experience stress, anxiety, or depression are more likely to skip physical activity and turn to unhealthy eating habits as a coping mechanism. If left unaddressed, childhood obesity often persists into adulthood, bringing with it an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, stroke, and other serious health conditions.
Fortunately, many health care organizations are exploring new ways to better address obesity – including The Wright Center with the problem, including The Wright Center, where I’m one of three physicians certified in obesity medicine. The others are Drs. Jumee Barooah and our president and CEO, Linda Thomas-Hemak.
We know that weight loss is a challenging journey with no quick fixes. For patients affected by weight-related illness, we offer non-surgical approaches to help manage and overcome obesity. Our board-certified obesity medicine physicians carefully consider the wide range of contributing factors – environmental, genetic, behavioral, and nutritional – and apply evidence-based methods to provide patients with safe, effective solutions.
By reaching and maintaining a healthier weight, our patients reduce the risk of developing serious illnesses while enhancing their overall quality of life.
When it comes to children, however, we can’t do it alone. Parents play a critical role in helping us promote healthier lifestyles. Here are a few ways to support your kids:
- Encourage better eating habits: Provide plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats and proteins, while replacing sugary drinks with more water.
- Promote regular physical activity: Whether structured exercise or fun outdoor play, movement is far more beneficial than time spent in front of screens.
- Support healthy sleep routines: To little sleep can lead to increased eating and reduced activity, so make sure kids are well rested.
With these healthy habits, we can work together to project the long-term health of our children. Not only do we owe it to them, but it’s also one of the greatest ways we can show our love.