Healthy Kids: Childhood obesity

Author: WINK NEWS
Published:
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Obesity in children is in the news this week with two new articles. Here to discuss this news is Dr. Annette St. Pierre-MacKoul.
Many parents may not recognize child obesity:
UK study – 3000 children studied
Childhood (1/5) and Teens (1/3) are obese.
Parents underestimate their child’s weight (1/3)
Increased risk:  male, black, south Asian, poor socioeconomic class
Concerns = US concerns
30 years:  childhood obesity doubled / adolescents quadrupled.
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Focus of the study:
Premature death and disease in adulthood.
Parental education on definitions of obesity / overweight.
Motivate parents to promote healthy lifestyle and diet.
Increase exercise and involves schools and daycares.
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Child Obesity intervention with strong IT support found to be effective:
Well studied and known in US with poor intervention results.
Computerized medical records have been found to help.
17% of children and teens are obese.
Study involved 550 children in 14 primary care practices.
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Guidelines / Education for patients:
BMI charts / growth curves were used.
Educational information provided to patients.
Behavioral changes emphasized.
Reduction in sugary-sweetened beverages.
Increasing exercise.
More effective than personal coach and traditional visits.

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