Adolescent and Childhood Obesity Program

Oct. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- Childhood Obesity Program Now Available in Kansas City

PRESS RELEASE

Overland Park, KS October 27th, 2011

Obesity doesn't discriminate by social class or race. It's a problem all across the nation, even the Overland Park area, "The Best Place to Raise Your Kids" has overweight adolescents who may benefit from professional intervention. Medi-Weightloss Clinic in Overland Park announces PowerPlay, a new program designed to specifically meet the needs of adolescents ages 12-18.

The PowerPlay program is a physician-supervised weight loss program, designed by a team of professionals in Pediatrics, Childhood Psychology, Public Health, Bariatrics, and Nutrition and consists of individual and family consultation, a multivitamin supplement, and nutrition and exercise education. The medical staff at PowerPlay provides its patients with support, motivation, and education they need to lose weight and transition to a healthier lifestyle.

Obesity in children has almost tripled since 1980. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention show that approximately 17 percent of children between the ages of two and 19, or 12.5 million, are either overweight or obese. A recent article, published by Southern Methodist University, stated that Dr. John Young, a pediatrician at Cooks Children Medical Center in Fort Worth, is treating more and more kids with weight problems over the last several years and believes it's because of the environment children are growing up in today, where it is acceptable to sit around all day playing video games, texting and watching TV, there is no longer an interest in running around outside or riding their bikes.

James Mirabile, M.D., Medical Director of Medi-Weightloss Clinic in Overland Park, agrees with Dr. Young and says the PowerPlay approach is geared specifically for kids that have become victims of our modern environment. "We consult with the whole family so that everyone is on board with goals and has a good understanding of the program. Then they can provide support and encouragement at home, by not only watching their diet, but exercising as a family and limiting screen time on computers, TV and video games," said Mirabile.

Mirabile said “the biggest obstacle for reaching out to teens is that they have to be ready to make a change and their parents need understand that the PowerPlay program is not one of those centers that just provides pre-packaged meals does a weigh-in, then you pay and go. This program is designed to promote a permanent lifestyle change. There is also a clinical component to PowerPlay." The first appointment with the staff consists of a complete physical, with an EKG, blood work, BMI (body mass index) analysis, and health history discussion. PowerPlay provides support, education, and works hand in hand with an exercise program.

Many PowerPlay patients across the nation are at risk to become unhealthy adults. They are children who have developed sleep or menstruation problems, depression, or joint pains because of obesity. "Many overweight children become withdrawn, socially awkward or lack confidence, and they tend to be easy targets for bullying," said Lana Van Dyke, MPAS-PAC, at the Overland Park Clinic. She explained that Medi-Weight Loss Clinics provide parents and adolescents a safe place to battle their obesity problem, in a professional physician-supervised program, without the emotional fighting that parents and teens sometimes digress to while discussing a child's weight problem.

Amy Shideler, MS, RD, a Registered Dietitian and the Office Administrator at the Overland Park clinic said the "PowerPlay program gives teens a positive plan towards improving their health while erasing the guilt or stigma associated with not doing anything about the problem." For more information about PowerPlay and Medi-Weightloss Clinic in Overland Park, call 913-284-0459 and ask for your complimentary appointment.

The clinic is located at I-435 and Roe Ave. You can also visit them online at http://www.mediweightlossclinics.com/locations/overlandpark/ or friend them on FACEBOOK at http://www.facebook.com/drmirabile