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Challenges and Successes of a Multidisciplinary Pediatric Obesity Treatment Program
Author(s) -
Walsh Stephanie M.,
Palmer Wendy,
Welsh Jean A.,
Vos Miriam B.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
nutrition in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1941-2452
pISSN - 0884-5336
DOI - 10.1177/0884533614551839
Subject(s) - medicine , multidisciplinary approach , body mass index , obesity , family medicine , nutritionist , percentile , weight loss , gerontology , physical therapy , pediatrics , social science , statistics , mathematics , pathology , sociology
Background: Despite the well‐documented need for multidisciplinary pediatric obesity treatment programs, few programs exist and best practices are not clearly defined. We describe the design and initial quality‐related outcomes of the Strong4Life multidisciplinary pediatric obesity treatment program along with some challenges and solutions implemented over the first 2 years. The purpose of this report is to inform others interested in designing similar programs. Program Description : The Strong4Life Clinic obesity program was designed to provide children with the medical care, as well as the behavior change guidance and support needed to reverse their obesity and/or minimize the related health risks. This low‐intensity program is designed to provide approximately 6 hours of care over 12 months from a medical provider, psychologist, registered dietitian nutritionist, exercise physiologist, and nurse. Results : Between August 2011 and February 2014, the Strong4Life clinic served 781 high‐risk (mean sex‐ and age‐adjusted body mass index [BMI] percentile 98.8) and racially/ethnically diverse (45% non‐Hispanic black and 24% Hispanic) patients. Of the 781 patients seen, 66% returned for at least 1 visit. Nearly all returning Strong4Life patients stabilized or improved their BMI (90% of those who participated <6 months, 97% of those who participated 6 to <12 months, and 92% of those who participated ≥12 months). Conclusions : This report describes a low‐intensity multidisciplinary weight management program that is feasible. Initial assessment of the program suggests benefit in most patients who participate >6 months, but longer follow‐up and assessment of comorbidities are needed.