Healthy Weight Resources for Clinicians
We are committed to supporting general and subspecialty physicians in their efforts to care for and advocate for patients with pediatric obesity.
Our tools for clinicians caring for patients with pediatric obesity:
- Which patients to refer to the Healthy Steps Clinic
- Information on educational and training opportunities for clinicians
- Information on some of our active research studies focused on pediatric obesity
- Healthy Steps Toolkit: An evidence-based guide on assessments and resources for physicians caring for patient with weight-related issues
- Healthy Lifestyle Patient Education Downloads
Which patients should be referred to the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Healthy Steps Clinic?
- Patients 0-2 years of age with weight/length >90th percentile or rapid weight gain
- Patients >2 years with age/gender BMI >85th percentile
- Evaluation and screening for bariatric surgery . Learn more about the American Academy of Pediatrics recent guidelines for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
- Patients and families interested in healthier lifestyle choices
What are the services we offer and conditions we treat and manage?
- Nutritional counseling
- Bioimpedance assessment (Evaluation of skeletal muscle, body fat and other components of body weight)
- Evaluation and treatment for Depression, Anxiety, and other behavioral issues
- Elevated blood pressure associated with weight gain
- Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides
- Elevated liver function tests
- Prediabetes or elevated HgbA1C
- Disordered eating patterns
- Persistent hunger or elevated appetite
- Genetic conditions associated with obesity. Visit UncoveringRareObesity.com for more information on rare forms of obesity and resources available to providers and patients.
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) including irregular and heavy menstrual cycles
- Sleep disorders including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Low self-esteem
Additional weight-management clinical services
Insurance eligibility for Healthy Steps clinic may vary. The following services may additionally be available to patients interested in weight management:
Nutritional Services
Under the Healthy Weight Initiative, our Registered Dietitian provides nutrition services including nutrition education and counseling for children with overweight or obesity in the Nutritional Services department. This clinic is appropriate for patients who may require solely a nutrition intervention or do not meet insurance criteria for the Healthy Steps clinic. Patients require a referral from a health care provider to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Nutritional Services in order to schedule an appointment. Call 727-767-4835 to schedule an appointment or inquire for more details.
Mental Health Services
Our clinical psychologist also provides healthy lifestyle focused psychology services to patients on a weekly outpatient basis (insurance eligibility may vary). She also has an outpatient caseload for children and adolescents experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, and other internalizing symptoms.
Education and training in pediatric obesity medicine
At All Children’s, we are an academic institution offering clinical training to trainees and inter-professional staff, as well families and community audiences. We educate on key topics like weight management, pediatric obesity screening, and obesity prevention strategies.
Contact us to learn about training opportunities and our upcoming Thrive 4 Life virtual curriculum for children and families.
Research and Discovery in Pediatric Obesity
As part of Johns Hopkins Medicine, we are committed to advancing the field of pediatric obesity medicine using our outstanding team of clinical leaders and investigators based within our Institute for Clinical and Translational Research Clinical and Translational Research Organization Using a collaborative approach between our nationally and internationally known basic scientists and clinical investigators, we are actively involved in a variety of research efforts focused on pediatric obesity prevention, diagnostics and treatment. Click here to learn about our ground-breaking PREDICT (Prospective Research on Early Determinants of Illness and Children's health Trajectories) study, one of the country’s only studies focused on identifying early life factors stemming in pregnancy that may be associated with weight-related and other health risks.
Online resource: Healthy Weight Toolkit
Our most comprehensive set of online resources organized by age group. This toolkit includes age-specific recommendations for physical activity, nutrition, behavior, and sleep as well as assessment and tools for providers to use in-clinic.
Visit the Healthy Weight Toolkit
Healthy Lifestyle Patient Education Downloads
9-5-2-1-0-Go! | En Español
This Smart Choices Guide can help anyone start making changes in areas including diet, activity, sleep, and screen time.
Go. Slow. Whoa! - Food Lists | En Español
Our gold standard approach to filling up your pantry and refrigerator with healthier foods. Learn the foods that reduce risk for increased weight, prediabetes, diabetes, and cholesterol issues.
The Healthy Steps Weekly Food Journal | En Español
One of the first steps to improving eating behaviors is to take an inventory of what you/your child eat every day. Check out our food journal and give logging a try as a start to healthier eating!
25 Healthy Snacks | En Español
Learn healthy snack options that will satisfy you and your kids without increasing weight risk.
Foods That Fill You Up | En Español
Many of our patient families tells us, “Our child seems to always be hungry! We can’t seem to fill them up!”. Check out our list of foods that we know provide the right nutrients to improve appetite and also provide healthy calories along the way.