Abstract
Purpose of Review
Review latest data regarding the intersection of pediatric obesity epidemic with telemedicine expansion to meet the need of equitable obesity care in children.
Recent Findings
Prevalence of pediatric obesity in the USA continues to worsen particularly in rural, underserved areas. Although there is an increasing number of obesity medicine specialists over the last decade, availability varies by geographic location. Pre-pandemic centers were limited, rarely located in rural areas, and required in-person visits for reimbursement. Telemedicine changes, responding to pandemic needs, provided increase in telemedicine utilization and acceptance with similar or improved obesity care outcomes.
Summary
Given pediatric obesity prevalence and need for chronic, effective obesity care, leveraging telemedicine to expand reach and decrease access barriers provides a critical and creative remedy. Data cites similar outcomes between telemedicine and in-person care. The time to reimagine a full spectrum of care delivery for pediatric obesity is now.
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Valerie M. O’Hara: Novo Nordisk that includes consulting speaking and lecture fee Danielle Louder: U.S. HHS Health Resources and Services Administration: Regional Resource Center (TRC) Program Cooperative Agreement 2021–2024;Telehealth Technology Enabled Learning Program Cooperative Agreement (TTELP) 2021–2025. Maine DHHS—Office of MaineCare Services: Contract for telehealth integration into Private non-Medical Institutions (PNMIs) 2022–2024. Maine DHHS – Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Contract for piloting a state-wide eConsult Network 2022–2024. Children’s Oral Health Network: Contract for Virtual Dental Home pilot 2022–2023. Vermont Program for Quality in Health Care: Contract for state-wide Telepsychiatry Network development 2022–2023. DHHS Health Resources and Services Administration – Office for the Advancement of Telehealth: Travel expenses for conferences, presentations and meetings under Regional Telehealth Resource Center Cooperative Agreement. All other authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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O’Hara, V.M., Louder, D., Johnston, S.V. et al. Pediatric Obesity Care via Telemedicine: Expanding the Path Forward—A Review. Curr Obes Rep 12, 546–556 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00537-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00537-w