The Pediatric Obesity Encounter: Literature and Resources to Help with 4 Common Issues

Curr Nutr Rep. 2020 Jun;9(2):94-100. doi: 10.1007/s13668-020-00308-2.

Abstract

Purpose of review: We review here best practices and resources for pediatricians providing pediatric obesity management in 4 key areas: how to assess all of the relevant factors contributing to obesity, how to provide nutrition education, how to counsel families who eat out regularly, and what to do with patients who frequently make poor eating choices.

Recent findings: While there are many resources indicating recommendations for the physical exam and laboratory tests, there are very few resources that give pragmatic advice on the counseling aspects of the pediatric obesity encounter. We note new nutrition research showing the importance of avoiding ultra-processed foods. Most importantly, we list several resources regarding useful questionnaires, nutrition guidance, and even further training for pediatricians. There is a need for more curation of resources in different aspects of obesity care. We hope that this review and list of resources are helpful for pediatricians and will empower families and can be expanded in the future.

Keywords: Nutrition education; Obesity; Obesity resources; Questionnaires.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Counseling*
  • Diet, Healthy / standards
  • Fast Foods / adverse effects
  • Goals
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Education*
  • Humans
  • Meals
  • Mindfulness
  • Pediatric Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Physician's Role*