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Pediatric Weight Management Prevention and Treatment Programs
Kristin Andolaro, MS, RD, CHES, LDN
The National Institutes of Health has predicted that 20% of children will be obese by 2010. Over the past 20 years childhood obesity has tripled to 17%, constituting a public health crisis (1). In 1995 alone more than $100 billion was spent on direct and indirect medical costs associated with this problem (2). It is essential to address pediatric obesity throughout the nation, including in pediatric medical centers. At this time, there is limited outcome data available for pediatric weight management programs. It may be years or decades before the best prevention and treatment strategies are determined.

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Practical Weight Management Approaches for the Generalist: Making It Count
Molly Vega, MS, RD/LD
The incidence of overweight or obesity (at or above the 85th percentile for BMI) in children ages 2 to 19 has reached 31.9% (1). Although this is less than the incidence in adults it is no less scary a statistic (2). If you are a dietitian who does not often see pediatric patients for weight loss, tackling the enormity of childhood obesity may be a daunting task.

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Healthy Schools Healthy Families: A collaborative approach to school-based obesity prevention
Melissa C. Pflugh, MS, RD
In 2004, NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, in collaboration with the Division of Community Pediatrics of Columbia University, launched a unique program aimed at improving the health of medically underserved children in Northern Manhattan. True to its name, Healthy Schools, Healthy Families (HSHF) works with local elementary schools to reach children and their families. Today, the program serves nearly 5,000 children and adults in seven schools.

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From the Editor
Cheryl Lair, RD/LD, CSP
Obesity in children in the U.S. has grown exponentially in the past two decades, despite increasing awareness and knowledge. This is due in part to environmental contributors and in part to emerging generational disease factors. Evolving to what many feel to be an epidemic, the challenge to treat and prevent pediatric obesity has come to the forefront in public and medical communities.

Copyright 2009 Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group, ADA.

The BUILDING BLOCK FOR LIFE is published quarterly by the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group (PNPG), a dietetic practice group of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995.

The Building Block for Life publication features information on materials, positions, and products for the use of its readers. These statements do not imply endorsements by the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group or the American Dietetic Association. All material appearing in the Building Block for Life is covered by copyright and may be photocopied for noncommercial scientific or educational purposes only, provided the source is acknowledged. Written consent from the editor is required for any other purpose.
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