Sovrappeso e obesità in età pediatrica: un intervento pragmatico nelle cure primarie

Paediatric clinics are in a unique position to detect chronic diseases, identify at-risk individuals, educate families and implement early preventive interventions. This article aims to provide evidence on how and with what strategies the AUSL of Reggio Emilia has built a programme to combat overweight and obesity in childhood by involving a network of services, starting with paediatricians. A variety of approaches have been taken to address the problem of promoting healthy lifestyles. The BMIF project (Very Fit Children) focuses on early detection and treatment of overweight children using motivational interviewing to help families change their lifestyles. First, second and third level interventions provide treatment for children with obesity according to defined care pathways. Anticipatory guides on responsive feeding and the BeBa (Children's Wellbeing) app promote healthy lifestyles. Effectiveness and equity were the guiding principles for the choices made. This required time and a significant effort, but it also resulted in greater support from both operators and decision-makers.