Sabbatical Fellow, SCAS.
Professor, Department of Medical Cell Biology and Affiliated Researcher, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University

Hybrid event.
Zoom Webinar: https://uu-se.zoom.us/j/65802739142 External link.

ABSTRACT:

Childhood obesity - the medical, patient perspective

An 8-year old boy with obesity is referred from school health care to the Overweight Unit at Academic Children’s Hospital, Uppsala University. He is examined, tests are made, blood samples obtained and patient history taken. From the results he is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Treatment plan is developed by a multi-disciplinary team (physician, nurse, physiotherapist, psychologist, dietician) together with patient and caregivers. Plan involves improving lifestyle (physical activity, diet, sleep) and medication (insulin and metformin). Follow-up visits are scheduled. Goal is to normalize blood glucose levels. Weight is followed but less targeted to avoid stigma. After an initial period, his blood sugar normalizes. Problem solved, or?

Childhood obesity - the societal perspective

In Sweden, 10% of pre-school children, 20% of school children, 30% of young adults and 60% of adults have overweight or obesity. With obesity follows both physical and mental complications. The high prevalence of obesity and related complications has consequences at the societal level with rising sick leave, loss of productivity and increased demand and stress on health care budgets. Low estimates are that costs for obesity for the Swedish society are 100 billions annually.

Attempts to tackle the childhood obesity challenge have been done. The results, at best, show effects during interventions, which disappear after the study period is over. Taking a systems approach, where multiple societal actors are engaged long-term, has shown promise. The problem is not solved.