New Directions for Engaging Patients on Weight Management for General Pediatricians

Abstract

Successful management of pediatric overweight and obesity remains very challenging, particularly in a busy primary care setting. Numerous barriers exist for both patients and providers. Comprehensive counseling directed at improved dietary habits, increased exercise, and decreased screen time is not always practical. It is crucial to elicit a genuine recognition of the child’s obesity as a health problem and obtain a sincere, nonjudgmental commitment to change from the patient as well as parents and other household members. Providers may benefit from learning and utilizing motivational interviewing (MI) as a tool to interact with adolescents and families. In addition, the use of ubiquitous venues such as social media and text messaging, as well as newer health apps may increase continuity and engagement with adolescents and families. Taken together, the traditional modalities of diet, exercise, and screen time counseling, combined with MI and new engagement strategies, such as close follow-up via phone, social media or text provide more opportunities for primary care providers to tighten the belt on the obesity epidemic.