n this episode of Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, Dr. Sarah Adams sits down with Dr. Christopher Bolling, a national leader in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity and a co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ clinical practice guidelines. Together, they unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in pediatrics: childhood obesity. Rather than focusing on numbers or blame, they explore what BMI actually means, why it’s just one vital sign among many, and how to recognize when weight may be affecting a child’s health or happiness. Dr. Bolling explains why weight is so complex, shaped by genetics, development, environment, and behavior, and why compassionate, individualized care matters far more than charts or cutoffs.

The conversation also dives into how families and pediatricians can talk about weight with empathy, avoid shame, and support children in building lifelong healthy habits. Dr. Bolling shares practical guidance on motivational interviewing, nurturing positive body image, honoring hunger cues, and building routines around nutrition, movement, and family meals. From reducing pressure at the table to modeling healthy choices ourselves, this episode offers evidence-based, achievable strategies for raising confident, healthy kids, while reminding parents to give themselves grace along the way.

Episode Highlights:

#motivational interviewing

#positive body image

#honoring hunger cues

#modeling healthy choices

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Have an idea for a show, share your thoughts with us:

Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Either write us an email or upload a voice memo, and send to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions on an episode.

RESOURCES:

2022 Pediatric Cardiology Update: “Childhood Obesity” https://youtu.be/_BCXxmopQNw?si=NDc9Nx-g1a7knLU9

Books: Facing Overweight and Obesity: A Complete Guide for Children and Adults by Dr. Fatima Cody Standford

“Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense” Book by Ellyn Satter

New guidelines recommend early, aggressive treatment for childhood obesity (January, 17, 2023) https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2023/01/17/childhood-obesity-epidemic-pediatrics-guidelines-counseling-treatment

ABOUT Dr. Sarah:

Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah,” where we dive into general health and wellness, parenting , family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. Being both a pediatrician and a mother has given me unique insight about how to live healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, and by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, even kids, and parents –and let’s grow up together!

Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com

IG details: @growingupwithdrsarah

TikTok details: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by:

GTS Media, LLC

Audivita Studios

In this episode I talk with experienced psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and owner of Woodstream Wellness, Emilie Breeding. Together we go in depth about the mental health of children and teens. Nearly one in five young people in the United States experiences mental, emotional and behavioral conditions like ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD and mood disorders.

We explore how to recognize when a child is struggling, the importance of early intervention, ways to break the stigma around mental health, and why partnership between families, schools, and healthcare providers is crucial. You’ll also hear her firsthand insights about common struggles, emerging trends, and what truly fosters resilience and healing for kids and teens.

Stats included in this episode are grounded in recent CDC findings on the prevalence, risk, and protective factors for mental health conditions in children and teens. They aim to provide listeners with both practical advice and deeper insight into the evolving landscape of pediatric mental health care.

Episode Highlights:

#Teen Resilience

#Openended Questions

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE if this topic interests you!

Have an idea for a show, share your thoughts with us:

Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Either write us an email or upload a voice memo, and send to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions on an episode.

RESOURCES:

https://www.charliehealth.com/

https://woodstreamwellness.com/

ABOUT Dr. Sarah:

Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah,” where we dive into general health and wellness, parenting , family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. Being both a pediatrician and a mother has given me unique insight about how to live healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, and by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, even kids, and parents –and let’s grow up together!

Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com

IG details: @growingupwithdrsarah

TikTok details: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by:

GTS Media, LLC

Audivita Studios

Today teens are living through overlapping crisis, from natural disasters and war to violence in the news, rising suicide risk and the pull of digital life. Our guest in this episode, Dr. Hina Talib, is double board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine and is a nationally recognized voice on teen health. You may have read her insights in ABC News on why teen girls are in crisis beyond social media, seen her guidance on screen time and digital wellness on Instagram, or her contributions to the New York Times on how to talk to kids about the war in Ukraine. In this episode she helps us understand what teens are facing today and how parents and caregivers can support young people both honestly and with hope.

Episode Highlights:

#Teen Resilience

#Digital Wellness

#Teen Anxiety

#suicide prevention

three H's: help, hug, and be heard

#health care independence

Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHARE if this topic interests you!

Share your thoughts, questions, show ideas:

Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Either write us an email or upload a voice memo, and send to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions on an episode.

RESOURCES:

https://www.drhinatalib.com/

Atria Institute : https://www.atria.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenhealthdoc/

Twitter: https://x.com/drhinatalib

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hinatalib/

ABOUT Dr. Sarah:

Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah,” where we dive into general health and wellness, parenting , family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. Being both a pediatrician and a mother has given me unique insight about how to live healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.

The success of the family starts from the top, and by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, even kids, and parents –and let’s grow up together!

Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com

IG details: @growingupwithdrsarah

TikTok details: @growingupwithdrsarah

This podcast is produced by:

GTS Media, LLC

Audivita Studios