Designing and implementing an effective pediatric weight management program.
In order to successfully address the problem of childhood obesity, effective weight management programs must be established by a variety of clinicians to treat the increasing numbers of overweight and obese children and adolescents. An effective program will: 1) identify children and adolescents with health risks related to excess fat, 2) help families make permanent healthy lifestyle changes, and 3) provide ongoing care to optimize long-term health. Building a pediatric weight management program which achieves these goals requires attention to several aspects, including location, personnel, equipment, institutional support, marketing, referral base, focus of the overall approach, and billing & reimbursement. Maintaining the program after it is established can be enhanced by concentrating on team communication, continuing education, continuous quality improvement, and improving adherence.
Edwards
Nicholas M
NM
Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, MMC 185, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. edwar387@umn.edu
Schwarzenberg
Sarah J
SJ
D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation