AUSTIN, TX - (April 22, 2010) - Obesity rates among children in the United States are skyrocketing. Today, about 30-40 percent of children are overweight or obese and according to new research, those numbers are only expected to increase.
The Texas Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity at Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, a member of the Seton Family of Hospitals, officially opens its clinic on Friday, April 23, 2010 at the Specialty Care Clinic located at Dell Children's Medical Center.
The clinic will provide multidisciplinary, behavioral and family-based intervention needed to address obesity itself and will provide further treatment for the many medical and mental health conditions that are frequently associated with childhood obesity.
'We know this is a problem of epidemic proportions,' says Stephen Pont, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P, medical director of the center. 'We've been working with health problems in children that we only used to see in adults. Now we see children with sleep apnea which can lead to heart and lung failure, and liver inflammation that can lead to liver failure, to name a few. All are linked with being overweight or obese. Depression, and other mental health conditions, are also much more common in these children and their families, and these must also be addressed if the child is to be successful.'
Fellow obesity expert Kimberly Avila Edwards, M.D., F.A.A.P and child psychologist Jane Gray, Ph.D., who also practices at the Texas Child Study Center, will complete the staff at the clinic and develop treatment programs for these children.
Experts in pediatric nutrition, physical therapy, physical activity, behavioral change and case management will also contribute to the treatment plan. The multidisciplinary team will work together with children and their families, simultaneously fostering behavioral, nutrition and physical activity changes.
Dr. Pont adds, 'These children are hurting now. We look forward to working with these families, primary care providers and specialists to improve the health of these kids, and help them to lead healthy, happy lives.'
The Center will also work beyond the walls of Dell Children's with local, regional and national partners to empower and support community change leading to healthier environments for our children.
The new obesity clinic builds upon the success of the Healthy Living, Happy Living/Vida Sana, Vida Feliz multidisciplinary, family-based childhood obesity intervention. For the past 18 months, the Healthy Living, Happy Living is and has been supported by many local and regional philanthropic foundations.