Designing and implementing an effective pediatric weight management program.

In order to successfully address the problem of childhood obesity, effective weight management programs must be established by a variety of clinicians to treat the increasing numbers of overweight and obese children and adolescents. An effective program will: 1) identify children and adolescents with health risks related to excess fat, 2) help families make permanent healthy lifestyle changes, and 3) provide ongoing care to optimize long-term health. Building a pediatric weight management program which achieves these goals requires attention to several aspects, including location, personnel, equipment, institutional support, marketing, referral base, focus of the overall approach, and billing & reimbursement. Maintaining the program after it is established can be enhanced by concentrating on team communication, continuing education, continuous quality improvement, and improving adherence.