Treatment of the Obese Pediatric Patient
Tina M. Schwartz, RN, CPN
Worcester State University
Research for Evidence Based Practice
NU525
Cheryl Hersperger, MS, RN, APHN-BC
Abstract
Obesity has become a public health epidemic. The number of pediatric and adolescent patients who are overweight or obese has more than doubled over the last two decades. Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that in 2013, 42 million children worldwide were overweight or obese (WHO Factsheets, Jan. 2015). Obesity is defined as excess amounts of adipose tissue that may cause increased risk for mortality and morbidity. A body mass index (BMI) ≥25 is overweight, and a BMI of ≥30 is obese.
This report will review the physical and psychological …show more content…
Since a majority of individuals who are obese indicate dissatisfaction with their body, this may lend to binge eating behavior. Depression due to obesity may cause general fatigue and one to be sedentary, thereby decreasing metabolism and energy expenditure (Sysko, et al, 2011) (Pietrobelli, et al, 2009). That is not to say that obesity is not caused by an underlying genetic and metabolic dysfunction that requires correction. Childhood and adolescent obesity, “exacerbates psychosocial difficulties such as poor self-esteem, anxiety, depression and social marginalizations” (van Geelen, Bolt & van Summeren, …show more content…
Studies have shown positive results in decreased body mass index and improvement of obesity related comorbidities. There is however, debate over the psychological stability of teens to assent to the surgical procedure and, their compliance with diet restrictions post-surgery.
Patient evaluation is key to determining those patients who would best be served by bariatric surgery. The criteria and recommendations used to determine which patients are potential candidates for this type of surgery still remain of concern. Due to the unique age group and the developmental, metabolic and physiological parameters that are being dealt with, practicing pediatricians are concerned with surgical intervention (Michalsky & Inge,
Tina M. Schwartz, RN, CPN
Worcester State University
Research for Evidence Based Practice
NU525
Cheryl Hersperger, MS, RN, APHN-BC
Abstract
Obesity has become a public health epidemic. The number of pediatric and adolescent patients who are overweight or obese has more than doubled over the last two decades. Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that in 2013, 42 million children worldwide were overweight or obese (WHO Factsheets, Jan. 2015). Obesity is defined as excess amounts of adipose tissue that may cause increased risk for mortality and morbidity. A body mass index (BMI) ≥25 is overweight, and a BMI of ≥30 is obese.
This report will review the physical and psychological …show more content…
Since a majority of individuals who are obese indicate dissatisfaction with their body, this may lend to binge eating behavior. Depression due to obesity may cause general fatigue and one to be sedentary, thereby decreasing metabolism and energy expenditure (Sysko, et al, 2011) (Pietrobelli, et al, 2009). That is not to say that obesity is not caused by an underlying genetic and metabolic dysfunction that requires correction. Childhood and adolescent obesity, “exacerbates psychosocial difficulties such as poor self-esteem, anxiety, depression and social marginalizations” (van Geelen, Bolt & van Summeren, …show more content…
Studies have shown positive results in decreased body mass index and improvement of obesity related comorbidities. There is however, debate over the psychological stability of teens to assent to the surgical procedure and, their compliance with diet restrictions post-surgery.
Patient evaluation is key to determining those patients who would best be served by bariatric surgery. The criteria and recommendations used to determine which patients are potential candidates for this type of surgery still remain of concern. Due to the unique age group and the developmental, metabolic and physiological parameters that are being dealt with, practicing pediatricians are concerned with surgical intervention (Michalsky & Inge,