The prevalence of pediatric obesity has increased significantly (two to threefold, depending on the age group) in the past few decades in the United States and currently, the prevalence of obesity in children is 18.5% and affects about 13.7 million children and adolescents ages 2-19 (1).

How can physical therapy address a diagnosis of obesity? The American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA’s) Guide to Physical Therapist Practice defines scope of practice to include a role in prevention, health promotion, wellness, fitness and screening activities to patients with a diagnosis of obesity. As pediatric physical therapists, the goal is to work towards having the family and child adopt fitness as an important activity and to carry the fitness program forward. As the Guide recommends, once the physical therapy goals have been achieved, physical therapists refer patients to other health practitioners (eg, community fitness staff) for health promotion and long-term fitness and wellness programs (2).

Did you know Valley Medical Center Children’s Therapy can provide outpatient physical therapy services to children with a diagnosis of obesity? As physical therapists who specialize in the treatment of children, we have a variety of play activities and youth-based equipment/toys that we use to make PT fun! A discussion with your child’s primary care provider and/or dietitian/nutritionist can help determine if physical therapy services can complement your child’s plan.

For more information on how Physical Therapy can address a diagnosis of childhood obesity and improve outcomes, please read here.