Dr. Michelle White discusses the current state of childhood obesity in the United States and emphasizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She will also talk about how social determinants of health, environmental factors, and caretakers can influence children’s weight and overall health. Stay tuned to hear what you can do as a caregiver or healthcare provider to prevent and manage childhood obesity.
Dr. White is a pediatrician and health equity researcher at Duke University. Her research focuses on developing and adapting interventions to eliminate disparities in child obesity- a condition which disproportionately affects children of color and children in lower-income countries.
“Obesity is a multi-factorial problem and no family, no parent, no grandparents who's taking care of kids should feel that they're having to walk through that alone and unsupported”
Question of the Day: What healthy habits have you developed or maintained during the pandemic? What’s your secret to keeping these habits going?
Key Points:
0:00 - Intro with Shireen!
1:45 - What originally drew you to medicine and how did you really become involved in pediatric medicine?
2:50 - What's the current state of childhood obesity in the United States and where do you see things headed?
5:17 - How can caregivers prevent and manage childhood obesity?
9:40 - How can physicians help families experiencing childhood obesity?
11:50 - What are some environmental factors that contribute to childhood obesity, especially in racial and ethnic minorities?
17::12 - How do the identities and lifestyles of caretakers impact children?
18:51 - Additional Advice for Parents and Caregivers
21:18 - Outro with Shireen!
On this episode you will learn:
Social and Environmental Factors Contributing to Childhood Obesity
How Identities and Lifestyles of Caretakers Influence Children
Childhood Obesity Prevention and Management
Social Determinants of Health
Impact of COVID-19 on Current State of Childhood Obesity
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