ABSTRACT
Pediatric obesity is a major public health concern that is seen everyday in primary care pediatrics. In 2003, it became apparent to a pediatrician that too many adolescents from multiethnic backgrounds were already heading down the path predicted to result in progressive obesity and the associated health, socioeconomic, and emotional problems related to obesity. It seemed that their lives needed to change course now before their problems escalated. The social situation varied for each of the adolescents seen, but many lacked direction and did not have positive role models in their lives. Health disparities and deciencies in the area of health literacy were noticed. The families of these children often reported facing economic barriers, concerns of safety in their neighborhoods, and time constraints. Various caregivers may have realized that their children should exercise more but could not arrange for safe opportunities for them to be physically active. Parents also indicated that they did not feel safe walking around their neighborhood with their children after getting home from work at night. Financial limitations led to frequent inexpensive meals and limited daily consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Parents often reported having limited time to participate
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 919 Experiences of a Pediatrician: 2003 .......................................................................................... 919
Problem of Pediatric Obesity .........................................................................................................920 History of the TEEEN Program (Teens, Empowerment, Exercise, Education, Nutrition) ............ 921 Why This Program Is Different: Multifaceted ............................................................................... 921 TEEEN Program Sessions .............................................................................................................923 What Has Been Seen: The Impact of the Program ........................................................................924 Dietitian’s Perspective ....................................................................................................................924 Reproducible ..................................................................................................................................926 Future .............................................................................................................................................926 Conclusion .....................................................................................................................................926 References ......................................................................................................................................927
