Understanding Pediatric Weight Management: Is it Right for Your Child?
I recently had the opportunity to speak about a topic that is close to my heart: pediatric weight management. My name is Dr. Lisa Tritto, and I am a pediatrician with specialized training in pediatric obesity medicine. After over 20 years in general practice, I pursued a pediatric obesity medicine fellowship at the University of Minnesota, where I had the privilege of training with some of the best experts in the field. I brought all that knowledge back with me to Saint Louis, where I now practice with the team at Evora for Kids.
This blog post serves as a recap of my talk, but if you would like to dive deeper into any of these topics, please be sure to check out the full recording, which will be available on YouTube.
A Quick Overview of Previous Talks
Before jumping into the details of what pediatric weight management is and how we approach it, I briefly reviewed the topics of our previous talks. If you missed them, they’re available for you to watch on YouTube:
1. Compassionate Conversations: Focusing on Health Instead of Weight – This talk, with our therapist and motivational coach Amanda, discussed how to approach conversations about health and weight with empathy and care.
2. Teen Nutrition – Joined by our dietitian Audrey, this discussion focused on healthy eating habits, although the information is just as applicable to younger children.
3. The Complex Contributors to Weight – In this talk, we explored how biology, psychology, and environmental factors all contribute to childhood obesity.
What is Pediatric Weight Management?
Pediatric weight management is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that focuses on helping children achieve and maintain a healthy weight while also promoting their overall well-being. This approach involves four key pillars:
1. Nutrition
2. Physical activity
3. Behavior changes
4. Medical management
While nutrition, exercise, and behavior changes have long been the focus of many weight management programs, it is critical not to overlook the biological factors that may contribute to obesity in children. For instance, genetic predisposition, medication use, or even underlying medical conditions can influence a child's weight, and that's where medical management comes in. Treatments, such as medications, may be part of the solution for some children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Obesity Medicine Association emphasize that the earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes. Research shows that having multiple interactions with healthcare providers and community resources over 6 to 12 months (26 hours, to be precise) can significantly improve outcomes. However, it’s important to note that the goal is not to focus solely on weight loss. We aim for holistic care that addresses all aspects of a child’s health.
Common Misconceptions About Pediatric Weight Management
Many people mistakenly assume that pediatric weight management is solely about weight loss. Weight is only one indicator of health. In reality, it is about overall health and well-being. For example, in some cases, the goal may not be weight loss initially but rather slowing down weight gain or stabilizing BMI to help prevent future health problems.
Another common misconception is that children in weight management programs are at risk of developing eating disorders. In fact, children under medical supervision are actually less likely to develop eating disorders compared to those left to figure it out on their own. We are extremely careful with our language and approach, focusing on creating healthy habits rather than simply addressing a number on the scale.
When Should You Consider Seeing a Specialist?
How do you know when it’s time to seek help? Here are a few red flags that suggest your child may benefit from specialized weight management:
• Body Mass Index (BMI) consistently above the 95th percentile
• Rapid weight gain or a BMI that is rising sharply
• Family history of obesity, diabetes, or other related health conditions
• Signs of insulin resistance or metabolic abnormalities (e.g., high blood sugar, high cholesterol, liver enzymes)
• Mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety, which may be contributing to overeating or unhealthy eating patterns
• Sleep issues, including snoring or sleep apnea
• Struggles with physical activity, bullying, or social challenges due to body image
We also consider other factors like developmental history, medications, and environmental influences (e.g., food access, family dynamics). All of this helps us create a personalized plan for your child.
What to Expect When You Visit Us
The first visit with us is different from a typical pediatrician’s appointment. We want to get a full picture of your child’s health before you even walk in the door. That’s why we request medical records from your child’s pediatrician and ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire. This allows us to learn about your child’s growth history, eating habits, family dynamics, mental health, and more, even before we meet in person.
On the day of the visit, we will discuss all the information we have gathered, perform an exam, and talk about potential contributors to your child’s weight. We will then work together to create SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time- bound) that will help guide our approach to improving your child’s health.
Conclusion
Pediatric weight management is a long-term, personalized journey that focuses on the whole child. It is not about quick fixes or crash diets—it is about making sustainable changes that support both physical and emotional health. As a parent, it is important to know that you do not have to navigate this journey alone. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with all of you. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like more information on pediatric weight management.
Stay tuned for our next talk on medications in pediatric weight management, where we will dive into how we use medications to support healthy weight.
Contact Us:
• Email: info@evoramed.com
• Phone: 314-934-0551
• Website: evoraforkids.com
• YouTube: @evoraforkids
• Facebook: @evoraforkids
• Instagram: @evoraforkids
Thank you for your commitment to your child’s health. We are here to help!
