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Recommended Steps to Address Concerns About Your Child's Weight

The Center for Healthy Weight offers several programs to treat overweight and obese children and adolescents. We recommend taking the following steps to determine the level of care your child requires.

1.  Contact your child’s primary health care provider

The first step we recommend to address concerns about your child’s weight is to speak to your child’s primary health care provider. You and your child’s provider can develop a plan to improve your child’s eating and exercise habits and a way to follow-up on the plan. Your child’s provider can also determine if a medical evaluation is necessary and who should perform it.

2.  Consider a group program for additional support

A professionally managed group program can provide extra support for encouraging healthy habits. The Pediatric Weight Control Program is a group program for families ready to commit to leading a healthier lifestyle. Participating children and their families receive support and regular feedback about their progress. No referral is necessary.

3.  Referral to pediatric obesity specialists

If your child is experiencing weight-related problems (comorbidities) or requires a consultation from a pediatric obesity specialist, your child’s health care provider can provide a referral to our Pediatric Weight Clinic. Our physicians, dietitians and social workers can provide additional recommendations and a follow up plan.

4.  Weight loss surgery

Some adolescents may be eligible for weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgery candidates have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 and have one or more obesity-related health issues (comorbidities). Providers can refer these adolescent patients to the Pediatric Weight Clinic for a consultation.

Related information

• Comparison of the family-based Pediatric Weight Control Program and the outpatient Pediatric Weight Clinic