Childhood obesity is a growing concern across the nation, with Louisiana ranking third in the country for prevalence. Addressing this public health crisis requires a multifaceted approach rooted in evidence-based care and practical resources. Recognizing this urgent need, Greaux Healthy, a public service initiative powered by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center in collaboration with the State of Louisiana, has launched the Childhood Obesity Prevention, Evaluation, and Treatment Toolkit.
This comprehensive resource is designed to equip healthcare providers with the latest scientific evidence and actionable strategies to prevent, evaluate, and treat childhood obesity and its related comorbidities. Developed in alignment with the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical practice guidelines, the toolkit serves as a quick-reference guide that can be seamlessly integrated into various pediatric healthcare settings across Louisiana.
A practical, evidence-based approach
The Childhood Obesity Prevention, Evaluation, and Treatment Toolkit synthesizes the latest research into a streamlined resource, offering clear and practical guidance for healthcare professionals. Dr. Amanda Staiano, Director of Pennington Biomedical’s Pediatric Obesity and Health Behavior Laboratory and a key contributor to the toolkit, highlights its significance:
The comprehensive nature of this toolkit provides pediatricians with a quick reference for evaluating childhood obesity and its comorbidities and approaches for treating children and adolescents with overweight and obesity, all grounded in scientific evidence.
The toolkit’s user-friendly format allows providers to efficiently integrate scientifically validated protocols into their clinical routines, ensuring early intervention and improved health outcomes for children.
Key features of the toolkit
- Rapid Evaluation Protocols: Simplified guidelines for assessing obesity and associated health risks.
- Step-by-Step Treatment Strategies: Evidence-based recommendations for behavioral counseling, pharmacotherapy, and referrals for advanced care when needed.
- Family-Centered Tools: Resources to support sustainable lifestyle changes for children and their families.
Pennington Biomedical Medical Investigator Dr. Stewart T. Gordon, FAAP, underscores the importance of the toolkit in addressing a statewide health challenge:
The Greaux Healthy team looks forward to working with all Louisiana pediatric health care professionals — including pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dieticians, behavioral health providers, nurses, and health educators — to improve access to prevention, evaluation, and treatment of childhood obesity.
A call to action
Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical, reinforces the urgency of this initiative:
Waiting or delaying treatment is not an option when it comes to childhood obesity. Our goal is to provide health care providers with the tools they need to make informed decisions and offer comprehensive, effective treatment to improve the health and future of our children.
With childhood obesity being a chronic disease affecting thousands of Louisiana children, the launch of this toolkit marks a critical step forward in improving pediatric healthcare. By equipping providers with the necessary resources, Greaux Healthy and Pennington Biomedical are fostering a healthier future for children and families across the state.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to utilize this free, evidence-based resource to enhance their clinical practice and help combat childhood obesity effectively. You can download it here.
Your responses and feedback are welcome!
Source: “New toolkit empowers health care providers with evidence-based strategies for childhood obesity prevention and treatment,” Medical XPress, 2/20/25
Image by Katrin Bolotsova/Pexels
FAQs and Media Requests: 
