Study asks how clinicians treat overweight kids

ST. LOUIS-What are health care professionals doing to care for overweight children and teenagers? Research reported in the July issue of Pediatrics finds that doctors, clinical nurse practitioners and dietitians should screen more thoroughly for medical problems associated with obesity and address barriers that block effective treatment.

"Physicians, dietitians and pediatric nurse practitioners see pediatric and adolescent obesity as a serious problem with long-term health implications," says study investigator Sarah Barlow, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

"While they feel intervention is important, some healthcare providers are reluctant to treat overweight children who have no associated medical condition. In addition, some clinicians say parents don't want to be involved, patients are not motivated to change their behavior and support services are inadequate. These barriers makes it difficult to treat patients," says Barlow who also is a gastroenterologist and pediatric obesity expert at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.

"The mainstay of treating obesity is changing established behaviors, which usually involves counseling families on ways to help their children succeed in managing their weight. Some healthcare providers feel uncomfortable with counseling techniques."

To speak with Dr. Barlow, please call Nancy Solomon, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center media relations, at 314-977-8017.

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