A Key Area of Focus to Combat Childhood & Adult Obesity

As the old saying goes, "You are what you eat." And for children who are growing and developing every day and need nutritious food to stay fit and healthy, this statement takes on even greater importance. The prevalence of adult obesity in the United States is high, exceeding 30% in adult men and women. Obesity is associated with such health problems as an increased risk for coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, various types of cancer, gallstones, and disability. These comorbid medical conditions are associated with higher use of health care services and costs among obese patients. Weight loss in obese individuals is associated with a lower incidence of health problems and death.

Physician Practices: Please Remain Vigilant

Along with helping children take advantage of Highmark's expanded obesity treatment benefits, physicians are asked to please remain vigilant in the fight against childhood obesity by:

• closely monitoring all children's BMI
• regularly assessing all children's food intake, including what they are eating at school
• strongly encouraging all kids and parents to eliminate excessive consumption of sodas and sugary drinks

Resource for Additional Information (Including information on Adult Obesity Management)

Following is a list of additional resources for physicians and clinical staff to help in the continuing fight against childhood obesity.

2015 Highmark's Childhood Obesity Physician Tool Kit
Updated for 2015, Highmark's Childhood Obesity Physician Tool Kit supports you in caring for pediatric patients with weight management issues. The kit provides fresh information and insights, along with the latest clinical guidelines, to help you and your staff continue the battle against childhood obesity.

Let's Move! America's Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids
This tool kit is designed to help faith-based and neighborhood organizations transform neighborhoods, engage communities and promote healthy choices.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity: Resources & Tools
This website provides numerous resources for those participating in the effort to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic.

Preventing Childhood Obesity: A School Health Policy Guide
This guide offers policymakers and administrators the latest policy updates and recommendations about how to promote physical education, physical activity and healthy eating policies in schools.

We Can!^® (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition) Tools and Resources
This website provides families and communities with a variety of materials, tools, tracking sheets, training and other information to encourage a healthy and physically active lifestyle.

Let's Move! Toolkit for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations 
This website, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health, provides resources designed to help parents and caregivers of adolescents improve family eating and activity habits.

Tips to Weight Loss Success
This tool, offers patients simple tips and suggestions on creating a successful weight loss plan.

Three Steps to Initiate Discussion About Weight Management with Your Patients 
This quick-reference card developed by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute can help start an effective weight management program in an office or clinic. It includes:

• Tips on how to discuss weight issues with patients
• Guide to determine patient's health risks

Screening for Obesity in Adults, What's New from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
This fact sheet presents highlights of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for obesity in adults.

Back to Health Equity & Quality Services main