1.98 CME

Pediatric Obesity: Treatment Management

المتحدث: Dr. Sadaf Siddiqui

Business & Operations Head, Rainbow Hospitals, Bengaluru

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وصف

Treatment management for pediatric obesity combines lifestyle changes, family support, and, in severe cases, medical interventions. Family-based strategies are key, encouraging healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and reduced screen time. Behavioral therapy helps set achievable goals and address barriers, empowering children and families to make sustainable lifestyle adjustments. Dietitians often assist in designing individualized meal plans that focus on nutrient-rich foods and limit calorie-dense options. In cases of severe obesity with related health conditions, medications or surgery may be considered, particularly for adolescents. Continuous monitoring and support from healthcare providers are essential for long-term success and health improvement.

ملخص

  • The presenter discussed the shift in pediatric malnutrition from undernutrition to "MALL-nutrition," characterized by excessive consumption of junk food and a rise in childhood obesity and overweight cases. The presentation aimed to enhance understanding of the evaluation process for childhood obesity, emphasizing its relevance in India due to the growing number of affected children and the associated short-term and long-term health implications.
  • The presentation defined obesity using BMI centiles, distinguishing between physiological and pathological obesity. Pathological obesity is suspected when accompanied by developmental delays, dysmorphic features, excessive hunger, visual symptoms, or neurological features. While genetic factors contribute, environmental influences like easy access to junk food and reduced physical activity play a significant role.
  • Assessment of childhood obesity involves clinical evaluation, including medical history, dietary and lifestyle assessment, and physical examination. Key aspects of medical history include birth weight, developmental milestones, and family history of obesity or related conditions. Dietary assessment focuses on the child's recall of daily food intake, and lifestyle assessment considers physical activity levels and screen time.
  • The presenter emphasized the importance of clinical signs like acanthosis nigricans and striae, which may indicate metabolic syndrome. The presenter also highlighted the importance of considering underlying syndromes, which might present with visual or digital abnormalities.
  • Diagnostic evaluations are guided by clinical findings. Initial tests may include fasting lipid profiles and glucose metabolism markers (HbA1c, fasting glucose). In specific cases, insulin resistance markers (FGIR, HOMA) and liver function tests might be required. Additional investigations could include imaging studies (ultrasound for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and body composition analysis (DEXA scan).
  • Management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatricians, nutritionists, psychologists, and physiologists. Lifestyle modifications including dietary interventions (portion control), nutritional counseling, behavioral therapy (mindful eating), and increased physical activity are primary. Pharmacological interventions (Orlistat, GLP-1 receptor agonists, Metformin) are considered in severe cases or when lifestyle interventions are insufficient. Bariatric surgery is considered only in very severe cases when other methods fail.
  • Preventive strategies involve early intervention and education. A "5-2-1-0" approach emphasizes daily consumption of at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, limiting screen time to two hours or less, engaging in at least one hour of physical activity, and avoiding sugary drinks. Realistic goals focusing on gradual and sustained weight loss (5-10% over 6 months) are crucial.

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