Poster Presentation Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society Annual Scientific Conference 2023

Introduction: Severe obesity affects 2% of school-aged children and adolescents in Australia¹. The impact is severe obesity is seen not only on a person’s health, but also on their social and emotional wellbeing. Since lifting of COVID restrictions in Sydney, increased referrals for children and adolescents with severe obesity (BMI % the above the 95^th centile >135) have been seen in the Weight Management Clinic at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and a new pathway for their treatment established.  Through treatment, it was noted that children and adolescent presenting with the highest weights in our clinic were requiring intensive support, not only through health but also education. 

Method:  Meetings were established between the NSW education department, the patient’s school and NSW health to best support the young person and their families. Areas addressed included:

• Appropriate bariatric seating in classrooms
• Provision of appropriate food at school to support a modified VLED
• Daily check in from wellbeing staff for patient
• Providing a safe space for the patient to help ease mental health conditions associated with severe obesity
• Conscious effort for patient’s movement and toileting needs within a safe school environment
• Providing education to school staff on patient well-being specific to severe obesity

Conclusion: Creating pathways that offers intensive support through interagency collaboration is essential in providing a supportive environment for children and adolescent with severe obesity. This environment is best placed to assist these families with weight loss.