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ABSTRACT: Two hundred and eight medical records subdivided into two age groups, < 2 years (n = 49), and two to 17 years (n = 159) were used to assess providers' practice of documentation and intervention for overweight and associated risk variables, among children from a multi-ethnic inner-city population. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and/or weight to height ratio > or = 90th percentile for age and sex were used to define overweight, or at risk for overweight. Documentation for excessive weight and intervention, resident-physician training level, demographics, blood pressure, and cholesterol values were recorded. Overweight was identified in 36% of the pediatric patients. Twenty-nine percent of the affected children were documented, and all but two had an intervention. Exercise, nutritional and/or behavioral counseling were prescribed with nutritional counseling being the most frequent. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels were measured more frequently in overweight children than in normal weight children. Children < two years of age with BMI or weight/height ratios > or = 90th percentile had no documentation or intervention for suspected overweight. We conclude that childhood overweight was highly prevalent, and under-recognized as determined by medical record documentation. Further study is needed to determine effective provider education programs for preventing, detecting and managing overweight during childhood.
Journal of the National Medical Association 07/2003; 95(6):441-8. · 1.16 Impact Factor
