Bariatricians: The Unsung Heroes In The Fight Against Childhood Obesity

In the fight against childhood obesity, a group of unsung heroes are making a significant impact. These are our bariatricians. Although their key focus is not often a topic of mainstream conversation, it’s crucial for us to recognize and appreciate their expertise in this field. They are not just medical practitioners; they are also wizards of general surgery tempe az, consistently working to improve children’s health and wellness.

So, what do bariatricians do? They work with overweight or obese patients, especially children, offering guidance on dietary choices, movement, and other lifestyle changes. They study the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. But they go beyond mere advice-giving.

For patients who need more than diet and exercise, bariatricians also offer medical options. This is where their expertise in general surgery comes in. They can conduct weight loss procedures, also known as bariatric surgery, which can help obese children when other methods don’t work.

Why are these professionals so important? Consider the case of childhood obesity. Children with obesity are more likely to have other health problems. They can experience high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea. They can also face psychological stress, such as low self-esteem. Bariatricians can intervene early to prevent these issues.

How effective are they? Let’s look at some data. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity was 19.3% among 2-19 year olds in 2017-2018. But with the help of bariatricians, we can hope to see these numbers decline.

This is why bariatricians deserve our recognition and support. They do more than just treat patients. They help children reclaim their health, their happiness, and their futures. They are indeed the unsung heroes in the fight against childhood obesity.