Do pediatric gastroenterology doctors address pediatric obesity?

To assess how often obesity is acknowledged at pediatric gastroenterology outpatient visits.

A retrospective chart review was performed to identify obese children seen at a gastroenterology subspecialty clinic over a 1-year period of time; 132 children were identified. Demographics, obesity comorbidities, reasons for referral, diagnosis of obesity, and a plan to address obesity were abstracted. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to examine statistical associations.

Only 49% of children were given a diagnosis of obesity. In total, 52% of children were given a body mass index reduction plan. Those diagnosed with obesity were more likely to receive a body mass index reduction plan (p < 0.0001). Younger children and males were more likely to receive an obesity diagnosis (p = 0.002 and p = 0.02, respectively). Diagnosis of obesity was more likely in patients with obesity-related comorbidities (p = 0.0004) and those referred for obesity or related comorbidities (p = 0.01).

Obesity is diagnosed less than 50% of the time in pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinics. To increase opportunities for addressing childhood obesity in the pediatric gastroenterology outpatient setting, further investigation of barriers and optimal provider education is urgently required.