289
Answer Key
1. Jesse’s birthweight was at the 25th percentile. Her current weight is at the 3rd percentile for her age. Jesse’s
dramatic change from the 25th to the 3rd percentile weight-for-age indicates a slowed rate of weight gain and
may be cause for concern.
Case Study 16-2: Childhood Obesity
Ryan is a 6-year-old elementary school student. At his last well child exam, his measured height was 46 inches and
his weight was 60 pounds. His pediatrician is concerned that Ryan has gained an excessive amount of weight over
the past year. His usual diet consists of sweetened cereal with whole milk and fruit juice for breakfast and a juice
drink and crackers for his mid-morning snack. During the week, Ryan buys his lunch at school; his favorite menu
items are pizza and tacos. His mother states that she started a new job this past year, which requires that Ryan attend
an after-school program until 5:30 or 6 in the evening. He receives a snack there, usually an 8-ounce box of fruit
juice and crackers. Ryan’s parents report that Ryan is “always hungry” and they will often stop for his favorite
chicken nuggets, fries, and a soda on late evenings when the family is too tired to cook. Ryan likes to play video
games and has a computer and television in his room. His father complains that he spends more time in his room
than playing outside. Ryan’s mother is overweight and his father is of normal weight, although he states he was
overweight as a child. The family has discussed getting more exercise on the weekends but are not sure how to add
this to their busy schedules.
1. Calculate Ryan’s body mass index (BMI) and use this to evaluate his weight status using information in Figure
16-10.
2. From information in this chapter, what are some factors that may have contributed to Ryan’s excess weight gain
over the past year?
3. Considering his age and the information in this chapter, what would be a reasonable weight-management goal
for Ryan?
4. Using the recommendations in Table 16-7, what strategies would you suggest that Ryan and his parents
incorporate into their current lifestyle?
5. Based on his usual intake, identify at least 2 or 3 nutrients likely to be deficient in Ryan’s diet. What major food
groups provide these nutrients?
6. Assuming his current level of activity, what are Ryan’s estimated daily kcalorie needs according to Table 16-5?
Using that calorie level and the guidelines in Table 16-4, plan a balanced daily menu for Ryan that includes 3
meals and 2 snacks..
Answer Key
1. BMI = 60 pounds 703 ÷ 46 inches ÷ 46 inches = 19.9. Ryan’s BMI for his age and sex is greater than the 95th
percentile, which indicates obesity.