An essential element in the assessment is evaluation of the child’s nutritional
status from a physical examination and a biochemical perspective, as well as
the usual dietary intake. It is important to collect data from the child and fam-
ily members regarding nutrition habits. Inquire about community access to
variety of food types and factors impacting food choices, such as location of
stores, fast-food choices due to time constraints, and economic barriers to pur-
chase of sufficient quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat cuts of
meat, as well as fish and fowl choices. If the family practices vegetarianism,
inquire about the specific foods allowed and assess adequacy of intake of nutri-
ents from all food groups. Assess overweight (85–95% for body mass index
[BMI]) or obesity, weight above 95th percentile for BMI in the child or family
members because family eating habits will play a large part in childhood obe-
sity moving into adulthood.