A Qualitative Pilot Study of Pediatricians' Approach to Childhood Obesity.

Importance: Over the past 3 decades, rates of childhood obesity have tripled. Given the gravity of this health concern, it is important that physicians intervene early. However, physicians continue to underdiagnose and undertreat childhood overweight and obesity.

Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to identify current tools and strategies used by pediatricians in regard to childhood obesity, as well as to reassess barriers to success, and to uncover areas for improvement.

Design: One-on-one interviews were conducted with pediatricians during the summer of 2013. Seven of the interviews occurred in person, and 10 occurred via telephone. Each interview lasted 30 to 60 minutes. All interviewees (n = 17, 13.2% response rate) were Wisconsin pediatricians, representing 7 different health systems.

Main Outcomes: Themes relating to pediatrician's experiences in addressing and managing childhood obesity.

Results: Pediatricians interviewed in this survey are comfortable identifying and diagnosing pediatric obesity with the widespread use of electronic health records. They have several tools and strategies at their disposal for the treatment and management of obesity, but do not often achieve the desired outcome of achieving healthy body weight. Most of them lack connections to community resources and the ability to effectively communicate with referral systems outside of their clinic, such as with dietitians.

Conclusions: Building stronger connections between physicians and dietitians, as well as between physicians and the local community, may allow physicians to feel more empowered when it comes to managing childhood obesity.