There are currently a large number of children around the world who are obese-the numbers have been rising over the past decade. Although the childhood obesity problem is not as concerning as it is in adults, there are now weight loss pills and cholesterol lowering drugs for children. The controversy surrounding these new pills has sparked many heated discussions.

Possibly most disturbing about these pills for children is that pediatricians are the ones suggesting that children as young as 8 years old take them. If pediatricians are leaning on pill popping for children instead of alternative measures there may be an even bigger problem on hand. Are doctors really giving their patients every possible alternative to weight loss and cholesterol control or simply prescribing medication in hopes to “fix” the problem?

Not only can the safety of these pills be questioned but it can be assumed that children may develop unhealthy habits as they grow older. If they are prescribed pills for their weight or cholesterol problems at such a young age what is to make them think that a pill will not fix other medical issues later on in life? Perhaps before pumping kids full of drugs we should exhaust the alternatives. Are schools promoting physical activity? Are the parents encouraging their children to be active and monitoring their diet? There are so many different support systems that can be available to children and there is no reason why they cannot lose weight naturally if given the proper tools to do so.

Instead of looking for a quick weight loss fix doctors, parents, and guardians alike should be focusing on alternative measures. Turn off the TV, get the children outside, sign them up for sports, and educate them about their diet and health to encourage them to get healthy. If our doctors are quick to prescribe medications parents should be educating themselves and not always relying on their doctor to tell them what is best. Try to find a doctor or pediatrician who is focused on alternative health and not just into writing a quick fix prescription. Children’s health should be first and foremost and this does not always include a prescription.