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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

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Causes and patterns of referral to a tertiary, multidisciplinary program for the treatment of childhood obesity

Gili Yaeger-Yarom1, Dan Nemet, Alon Eliakim

  • 1Department of Pediatric, Child Health and Sports Center, Meir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel.

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|August 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Most obese children in weight management programs are self-referred, often due to appearance and social concerns. Understanding these referral patterns is key to improving childhood obesity interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Public Health
  • Behavioral Medicine

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant epidemic.
  • Few obese children access therapy or specialized weight management programs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate referral patterns and motivations for obese children entering a tertiary multidisciplinary treatment program.
  • To analyze demographic, anthropometric, and referral data for 227 children.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluation of 227 children (10.6 ± 2.6 years) in a childhood obesity program.
  • Collected data on demographics, family history, referring agent, and reasons for program entry.
  • Assessed children's motivations for weight loss.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of family obesity (83%), particularly parental obesity (62%).
  • The majority of referrals were self-referrals (86.8%), primarily by mothers (74%).
  • Healthcare providers referred only a small percentage (15.4%).
  • Key motivations included improving appearance (44.5%), addressing social/psychological issues (39.2%), and enhancing fitness (29.5%).

Conclusions:

  • Referral patterns indicate a significant role for self-motivation and family influence.
  • Understanding these motives can enhance the recruitment and engagement of obese children in weight reduction programs.
Abstract

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