170: Pediatric Obesity---The Role of Psychology in Assessment and Intervention

This introductory workshop provides an overview of the prevalence of pediatric obesity in the United States, its comorbidities, and psychologists’ roles in assessing and treating obese children and adolescents. In addition to reviewing the current epidemiologic trends in pediatric obesity, the presenters will provide guidance for assessing psychosocial factors that interface with child and adolescent obesity and for applying evidence-based models of treatment to address these factors. Collaborating with other providers and specialty clinics and billing and reimbursement challenges will be discussed.

1. Describe the scope of the pediatric obesity epidemic in terms of rates, trends, and future outcomes, as well as medical and psychosocial comorbidities;
2. Explain the psychologist's role in the treatment of pediatric obesity in different settings (i.e., tertiary care weight management center, outpatient clinics);
3. Discuss challenges/opportunities related to billing and reimbursement for sustainable practice;
4. Conduct comprehensive assessment of psychosocial factors impacting weight status and apply evidence-based models of treatment to the treatment of pediatric obesity.

Bethany J. Sallinen, PhD, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Laura A. Shaffer, PhD, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY; Meredith L. Dreyer Gillette, PhD, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, MO; Elizabeth A. Getzoff, PhD, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, Inc., Baltimore, MD