Five Ways to Fight Childhood Obesity

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom


Last week’s Weight of the Nation meeting in Washington, DC, put a lot of emphasis on fighting childhood obesity – what I like to call “family obesity.” You may not know that UPMC program, the Pittsburgh Healthy Kids Project, was highlighted as a practical, affordable solution to addressing this urgent problem.

We have developed this program – a partnership of the UPMC Health Plan, Children’s Community Pediatrics, and Children’s Hospital – in response to what parents of children struggling with their weight have told us is important to them: (1) involving their pediatrician; (2) insurance coverage; and (3) convenience.

This once-a-month program, offered in the physician’s office and focused on healthy habits for the whole family, has been a rousing success. Since children (unlike adults) continue to gain height, the goal is weight stability, which ultimately results in a slimmer, healthier child. Our five basics of family weight loss, based on recent science, are:

1. Limiting sugary drinks
2. Limiting fast food
3. Eating more family meals together
4. Less screen time (two hours max daily)
5. Being more active.

This is a realistic approach that provides “real world” rather than “perfect world” solutions.

At UPMC, we are pioneers in this field! As a researcher, clinician, and health advisor, I’m thrilled that we’ll be seeing more integrated programs like these for vulnerable children and their families, creating an environment where the point of obesity intervention is early.