Seven steps to successful weight loss in children and teens

The article is available free online at www.liebertpub.com/obe.

A team of experts that includes physicians and psychologists propose a new model of care for treating childhood and teen obesity which includes dietary, fitness, and lifestyle changes, education, and as a final option, if needed, surgery. The article, entitled, "Seven Steps to Success: A Handout for Parents of Overweight Children and Adolescents," defines a stepwise intervention strategy of increasing intensity: (1) medical management; (2) education; (3) environmental changes; (4) support groups; (5) cognitive-behavior therapy I: clinical or short-term immersion; (6) cognitive-behavior therapy II: long-term immersion; (7) bariatric surgery.

Essential to the success of this treatment model is the commitment and participation of family members, and especially parents, who should not only be strongly supportive of the child's efforts, but also take an active role in the nutritional, exercise, and lifestyle modifications being introduced.