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Addressing Obesity Care in Children With Chronic Health Conditions
Ahlee Kim1,2, E Thomaseo Burton3
1Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Insights
Pediatric obesity care has advanced with new genetic insights, medications, and surgery. However, equitable access remains a challenge for children with chronic health conditions (CHCs).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Genetics
Background:
- Pediatric obesity is a complex and challenging disease.
- Recent advancements include genetic discoveries, new medications, and bariatric surgery.
- Current care gaps exist, particularly for children with chronic health conditions (CHCs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the diagnosis and management of obesity in children with CHCs.
- To explore specific etiologies and challenges in this population.
- To propose future directions for equitable care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on pediatric obesity and CHCs.
- Discussion of novel treatment modalities and their application.
- Analysis of barriers to equitable access and care.
Main Results:
- Novel approaches to pediatric obesity are emerging.
- Children with CHCs face unique challenges in accessing effective obesity care.
- There is a need for tailored strategies to ensure equitable treatment.
Conclusions:
- Advances in pediatric obesity management offer new hope.
- Addressing disparities in care for children with CHCs is crucial.
- Further research and practical solutions are needed for comprehensive care.
Abstract:
Obesity care in pediatric populations has entered a new era. The recent discovery of molecular genetic causes for abnormal weight gain, development of antiobesity medications, mounting data on the robust efficacy and favorable safety profile of bariatric surgery, and implementation of clinical guidelines fill a long-standing gap in the care of children affected by obesity, one of the most challenging pediatric diseases. However, these novel clinical approaches do not appear to have reached every individual who is in need, particularly children with chronic health conditions (CHCs), raising important questions for equitable medical care. In this study, we discuss specific etiologies, challenges, and ideas for future directions in diagnosing and managing obesity in children with CHCs. Although this article is not intended to be utilized as clinical guidelines, it underscores potential practical solutions for the current issues.
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