A Parent’s Guide to Child and Adolescent Weight Management

More than 14 million U.S. children and teens—about one in six—live with obesity. Left untreated, obesity can lead to serious short- and long-term health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Obesity can also bring on mental health concerns, as children and teens suffer from the harsh and unfair stigma associated with being overweight.

Fortunately, there is more evidence than ever that obesity treatment for children is safe and effective.

Tune in Wed., Nov. 8, 12-1 p.m. (CST) to hear expert insights on:

• Dietary and physical activity patterns associated with healthy weight
• Factors that influence rapid weight gain
• An assessment to help parents evaluate their child’s weight change
• How to help your child maintain a healthy weight without using the word “weight”
• Barriers to weight management
• Medical interventions and treatments

Speakers:

Keena Andrews, MS, RD, LDN, is the outpatient pediatric nutrition team leader at the Murfreesboro satellite clinic of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. She provides nutrition education in the areas of general gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, feeding difficulties, celiac disease and food allergies, as well as pediatric weight management. Andrews has a certificate of training in pediatric obesity and weight management.

Brittney Roszell, RDN, LDN, is a pediatric dietitian at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She specializes in developmental and genetic medicine, focusing on weight management, picky eating, tube feeding management, failure to thrive and general nutrition. Roszell’s approach to weight management is to instill fundamental nutrition knowledge, help regulate appetite cues, teach behavioral pacing skills and encourage children to develop a healthy relationship with food.

Myrtis Walker, MS, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, is a weight management patient care dietitian in the Vanderbilt Outpatient Nutrition Clinic. A certified specialist in obesity and weight management, she focuses on treating children ages 2-18 in reducing risk factors for obesity. Using evidence-based strategies, Walker works with caregivers and patients to problem-solve and make wise nutritional choices.