September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and for many families the conversation starts and stops at the scale. What often goes unmentioned is that a higher weight in childhood can come with real gastrointestinal conditions that deserve their own evaluation. At Pediatric Gastroenterology Associates in Pinecrest, we look past the number and focus on what is happening inside.
Why Weight and Digestive Health Are Connected
Extra weight changes how the digestive system works. It can increase pressure on the stomach and worsen reflux, slow the gut and contribute to constipation, and lead to fat building up in the liver. Many of these conditions cause few symptoms early on, which is exactly why they get missed. A pediatric GI evaluation can catch them before they progress, and treatment focuses on health and comfort rather than appearance.
Weight-related GI concerns we commonly evaluate include:
- Fatty liver disease
- Ongoing constipation
- Recurring abdominal pain
- Acid reflux and GERD
- Abnormal liver enzymes found on routine labs
6 Things Parents Should Know
- Symptoms can be quiet. Fatty liver disease often causes no pain at all and shows up first on bloodwork.
- Screening is straightforward. Evaluation usually involves labs and an in-office ultrasound, both painless and quick.
- Growth still matters. For most children the goal is slowing weight gain while growth continues, not rapid loss.
- Restriction can backfire. Aggressive dieting in kids can affect nutrition, growth, and their relationship with food.
- The whole family is part of it. Changes to meals, sleep, and activity work best when everyone participates.
- Referral is not a judgment. A GI evaluation is about identifying treatable conditions, nothing more
When to Call a Pediatric Gastroenterologist
Our Pediatric Obesity Clinic accepts referrals for children with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile, children at or above 120 percent of the 95th percentile who may need specialized care, and any child with weight-related gastrointestinal concerns such as fatty liver disease, constipation, abdominal pain, or reflux. Our specialists provide evaluation, in-office ultrasound, and a treatment plan built around your child.
Specialized Pediatric GI Care
At Pediatric Gastroenterology Associates (PEDGA), our team specializes in diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal conditions in children. We provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized care plans to help reduce symptoms, manage triggers, and support long-term health.
Need to be seen soon? We offer appointments within 24 hours, so your child gets the care they need without the wait.
📞 Schedule an appointment today: 786-888-2480
📧 Schedule an appointment today: scheduling@pedga.com
📍 Visit us in Miami: 10045 South Dixie Highway, Pinecrest, FL 33156
Your child’s health is our priority, wherever they need us. 💙