Management of Overweight in Children and Adolescents

Strategies used in a management plan for overweight are based on information obtained from assessment. Weight loss is recommended only if complications such as hyperlipidemia or hypertension are identified or for children 7 years or older with a BMI-for-age at or above 95th percentile. Otherwise, weight maintenance is recommended.

Individualized recommendations.

Each family has its own set of supports and stresses. Because success with weight management can be difficult to achieve, recommendations for change must consider family's readiness for change, family support, financial concerns, and neighborhood characteristics (including access to play areas and grocery stores). Unless situation is understood fully, recommendations for change may not be targeted appropriately.

Treatment should begin early, involve family, and institute permanent changes in a stepwise manner. Parenting skills are foundation for successful intervention, which includes a gradual targeted increase in physical activity and targeted reductions in high-fat and high-calorie foods.

So in end, we need to focus not only on ourselves but environments that are promoting this epidemic. As a colleague mentioned to me, to truly heal, whole community must be involved. If we all sit back and wait for someone else to do something, nothing will ever be done.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Marshal Montgomery @ http://www.HealthyUnderstanding.com

References 1.The Bad News About Prevalence, Good News About Treatments -- But Pay Attention to Details, Linda Brookes, MSc ,Medscape Cardiology. 2005; 9 (1): ©2005 Medscape. 2. Overweight Children and Adolescents: Recommendations for Screening, Assessment and Management, Authors: Barbara Polhamus, PhD, MPH, RD; Diane Thompson, MPH, RD; Sandra L. Benton-Davis, BS; Christopher M. Reinold, MPH, RD, LD; Comm. Laurence M. Grummer-Strawn, PhD; William Dietz, MD, PhD 3. Prevention of Overweight and Obesity: Focus on Children and Adolescents,Patricia Markham Risica, DrPH, RD 4. Obesity,Jonathan Q. Purnell, M.D. 5.American College of Physicians Issues Guidelines for Obesity Management CME News Author: Laurie Barclay, MD CME Author: Charles Vega, MD, FAAFP All were sourced from medscape.com

Disclaimer: As always, check with your health care provider to see if this information applies to you. Due diligence is your responsibility. This information is meant to supplement your knowledge, not to replace your own decision making process or take place of your health care provider.

This is a commercial newsletter provided for free by HealthyUnderstanding.com

For weight loss and other health care products go to www.road2health.net For a quick BMI calculation go to www.road2health1.net.

This newsletter may be distributed in its entirety without alteration. If you wish to use it in your publication, a copy of your publication would be appreciated.

Please send it to DrM@healthyunderstanding.com

371 Kenderdine Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3S5

If you don’t believe it, try it. When I first began learning about organic food and differences between it and conventional food, I went to a health food store and bought a bunch or organic produce. I couldn’t believe difference in taste. The tomatoes I had bought in grocery store had very little flavor and could only be used as an ingredient in a dish, definitely not something you would want to eat plain. But, organic tomatoes I bought, I found myself just sitting down and eating plain. They actually had a garden fresh flavor to them. Usually when I would buy fruit, it would sit and rot on table until I threw it away. It just never sounded good. Now, when I buy organic fruit, I can hardly keep myself from snacking on it all day. It just tastes so much better and healthier.

I have definitely noticed a difference in way I feel after switching to eating mostly organic food. I have more energy. I crave healthier food. I feel more satisfied when I eat. I don’t crave junk food or sugary snacks anymore. I know other people too, who have noticed same effects from switching to an organic diet.