Childhood Obesity Treatment of Elementary Aged Children

Abstract

Childhood obesity (ages 2-19) is at epidemic proportions in the United States (US). The current prevalence of childhood obesity is 18.5%, which is about 13.7 million children. A plan for the initiation of pediatric obesity treatment is essential. This will result in correctly diagnosing and initiating a wholistic approach to obesity treatment. The longer an individual has had obesity, the more likely they are to develop a comorbid condition, especially if onset is in childhood. Therefore, action at Elementary age (5-10 years old) is crucial. The goal of this project is to create evidence-based protocol (EBP) for the treatment of childhood obesity and comprise a well-rounded, wholistic approach to the treatment of childhood obesity. The following paper includes a developed EBP treatment plan for obese pediatric patients, educates on the many factors that contribute to the obesity epidemic and describes how patient monitoring and follow-up care will be carried out. The information found in the paper is from multiple research articles that studied childhood obesity. The use of this plan to effectively initiate pediatric obesity treatment will positively impact the health of the children in the US. Early identification and prevention of childhood obesity will create healthy habits in our youth, which they will take into adulthood, preventing future co-morbid conditions.