Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is the Clinic located?
A. The PWC is located at the Northland Professional Centre, Suite #402, 4600 Crowchild Trail NW., Calgary, Alberta, T3A 2L6. There is ample free parking. Click here for map.
Q. Why is an initial assessment by the Clinic's Psychologist necessary?
A. An initial assessment is undertaken to gather a comprehensive developmental and psycho-social history to assist in the child's treatment planning. Because success in the treatment program is largely influenced by a family's readiness to make healthy lifestyle changes, the child's level of motivation and the nature and degree of family support are also assessed at this time. The initial assessment by a psychologist is necessary to assess for the presence and extent of associated issues and to ensure that the treatment program is appropriate for the child and family in question. Childhood obesity often goes hand in hand with poor body image, low self-esteem, loneliness, interpersonal problems and/or symptoms of depression and anxiety. These emotional problems have significant impact on children and should be considered as serious as other medical illnesses.
Q. Why is a medical exam by the Clinic's pediatrician necessary?
A. Childhood obesity has become one of the leading causes of diabetes. In addition, a number of other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, elevated lipids, poor bone health, early onset of cardiovascular diseases, liver disease and upper airway obstruction can be associated with childhood obesity. What a pediatrician trained in looking after overweight patients will do is to take a detailed, focused history, perform a complete exam and arrange for appropriate investigations. It is important that the doctor who assists the child and his or her family in their efforts to control weight be experienced and trained in the field of weight management. Dr. Nieman, the PWC's pediatrician, has received extensive training in this area, and is therefore able to provide the necessary medical assessment and ongoing support to best facilitate the child/youth in the weight management process.
Q. What will the children learn in the program?
A. The treatment program at the Pediatric Weight Clinic (PWC) is a multidisciplinary program that takes the individual issues related to being overweight (psychological, medical, nutritional, physical, and family) and brings them together to work towards long-lasting lifestyle changes. Children/youth will learn about themselves and their family (their behaviours, thought processes, feelings towards themselves, self-esteem, etc.), about food (portions, reading food labels, healthy snack ideas, healthy choices, how to eat healthy in restaurants, etc.), and about physical activity (increasing activity, fun ways to become less sedentary, etc).
Q. Why are there so many sessions?
A. Current research illustrates that the most effective method for long term weight loss for children is based on a multidisciplinary, family-centered approach over an extended period of time. As such, the treatment program at the PWC has an extensive number of sessions which are broken down as follows:
- 7 sessions with the psychologist to address the behavioral issues contributing to being overweight as well as other psychological issues that may be affecting the child.
- 5 sessions with the physical trainer to create a customized activity program that can be monitored and modified throughout the program to suit each patient's individual interests and abilities.
- 5 sessions with the nutritionist or dietitian to learn about proper nutrition, making healthy food choices, reading food labels, meal planning, etc.
In addition, the child/youth is monitored by the PWC's pediatrician on an ongoing basis to address any related medical concerns.
Q. How much involvement is required by the family?
A. It is difficult to treat childhood disorders without involving the family. Typically, but not always, children who are overweight have parents and possibly siblings who are also overweight, illustrating a more systemic problem. In order to facilitate change and to motivate the child, it is important to involve the family. It is sometimes difficult to involve the entire family for every session, however it is the hope that parents will join their child for most of the sessions. This is especially important for younger children who have less control over the choices made at home.
We have seen over the years that those patients with the greatest involvement and support by their family are the patients with the greatest success both short- and long-term. Therefore the team at the PWC strongly encourages both parents (and siblings) to support and be involved in the child/youth's weight management goals.
Q. How long has the Weigh of Life program in Texas been running?
A. The Weigh of Life Program has been running for over 20 years at the Texas Children's Hospital. They have had enormous success with the program. The PWC has now been in operation since 2004. Although the PWC is modeled after the Weight of Life Program, we have customized the program to suit the needs of the children in families in Calgary, Alberta, and throughout Canada.
Q. What happens if a child doesn't complete the program?
A. The program is comprehensive: 7 sessions with the chartered psychologist, 5 sessions with the physical trainer, 5 sessions with the nutritionist or dietitian, plus 4 follow-up appointments, with each session building on the results of the previous session. It is the goal of the treatment team for all patients to complete the program, however we know that there are going to be some that do not complete all sessions. The best success has been found for those children who completed all sessions. The treatment team is however always open to discussing any considerations for ending treatment if that is deemed appropriate.
Q. Are you affiliated with the Calgary Health Region?
A. We are working collaboratively with personnel in the Calgary Health Region (CHR), however, at this time the PWC is operated solely as an independent clinic.
Q. Is there any funding to support my child's treatment at the PWC?
A. Families in need of financial support can apply to the Pediatric Obesity Foundation.
Q. What is the Pediatric Obesity Foundation (POF)?
A. The Pediatric Obesity Foundation is a charitable organization that is dedicated to raising funds in support of pediatric obesity. The foundation is dedicated to providing the opportunity for all families of all incomes to access treatment services (such as that provided by the PWC) for their children; to support innovative research in the field of pediatric obesity, and to support educating health care professionals and the general public about the issue of pediatric obesity. The Pediatric Obesity Foundation is committed to the future and wellness of today's children; the leaders of tomorrow.
Q.How can I find out more information about the Pediatric Obesity Foundation and financial assistance?
A. The Pediatric Obesity Foundation (POF) can be accessed through the PWC website, by contacting the foundation directly at (403) 247-8946 or through the Pediatric Obesity Foundation website at www.pediatricobesityfoundation.ca.
Q.How can I donate to support children in need of treatment for childhood obesity?
A. To make a donation, please contact the Pediatric Obesity Foundation at (403) 247-8946.
