Childhood Obesity

With more than 9 million overweight American children and adolescents---triple the number identified in 1980---healthcare providers must react now to counteract the related health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood.

In this special report, "Childhood Obesity: Truths, Trends & Program Design," sponsored by the Healthcare Intelligence Network (HIN), expert speakers provide background on this growing epidemic. You'll also get case studies on programs launched by healthcare payors and providers to address childhood obesity.

You'll hear from two leading industry experts, Dr. Eric Berman, Medical Director & Chairman of Health Policy, Horizon BCBS of NJ, and Dr. Barbara Moore, President and CEO, Shape Up America! on what's driving childhood obesity in America, its impact on healthcare costs and what factors to consider before launching a childhood weight management program.

This 37-page report is based on the September 23, 2004 audio conference How Healthcare Organizations Are Addressing Childhood Obesity during which Moore and Berman described the impact of childhood obesity and what healthcare organizations are doing about it.

You'll get details on:

• Assessing overweight/obese children;
• Preventing obesity in children;
• The IOM Action Plan for confronting the epidemic;
• How to engage the child's support network -- family, school and community resources; along with
• Case studies on childhood weight management programs at Horizon BCBSNJ, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Highmark and Kaiser Permanente.