Treatment of Childhood Obesity: What Is Working and What Is Not

Childhood obesity has quickly become a grim epidemic for the new generation. It contributes to almost 30 percent of medical care costs, and it is instrumental in many comorbidities. Poor evidence of documentation exists on diagnosis, treatment interventions, and follow-up care from practitioners. Issues stemming from lack of reimbursement and billing options lead to inadequate diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and follow-up care. Treatment consists of encouraging healthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors; however, the general population is resistant to lifestyle and nutrition changes or perhaps ignorant of the importance of lifestyle changes. It is essential for practitioners to document interventions that are advantageous so standardized treatment protocols can be researched and initiated. Higher rates of compliance come from moderately controlled lifestyle changes with consistent long-term follow-up for the entire family. Promoting client and family autonomy, self-efficacy, and acknowledgment of the problem is required for a revolution in this rampant disease. If providers and families have access to helpful and easy-to-use information regarding healthy lifestyle habits, it will be easier to incorporate these concepts into their lives