Childhood and adolescent obesity is one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. It is a chronic, complex disease that can substantially affect a child's physical and psychosocial well-being, with potential consequences extending into adulthood. Early identification, assessment, and management of obesity are particularly important, as timely intervention can help prevent or reduce complications and improve a child's overall health and quality of life.
The Pediatric and Adolescent Obesity Clinic provides comprehensive, individualized assessment and treatment for children and adolescents with excess body weight or obesity. The assessment includes an evaluation of growth and body composition, dietary habits and daily routines, as well as screening for associated metabolic, endocrine, and other complications.
Treatment is based on a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration among pediatric endocrinologists, registered dietitians and nutritionists, child psychologists and/or child psychiatrists, and other specialists when necessary. Family involvement is an integral part of the treatment process, with the aim of establishing healthy, realistic, and sustainable habits related to nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and overall lifestyle.
For children and adolescents with severe obesity and/or significant comorbidities, for whom lifestyle interventions alone are insufficient, the potential addition of pharmacological treatment is assessed on an individual basis. In recent years, new medications for obesity management have been developed and approved for specific pediatric age groups and indications, expanding the range of available treatment options.
These medications are prescribed only following a specialized medical assessment, taking into account each child's age, degree of obesity, coexisting medical conditions, and the potential benefits and risks of treatment. Pharmacological therapy is a complementary component of a comprehensive treatment approach and under no circumstances replaces nutritional, behavioral, and family-based interventions.
The primary mission of the Pediatric and Adolescent Obesity Clinic at Metropolitan Hospital is to ensure early and comprehensive obesity management, with children and their families at the center of care. The Clinic focuses on preventing complications and achieving long-term improvements in health, growth, development, and overall quality of life.