Comparison of Two Programs for Children with Overweight and Obesity

The Center for Healthy Weight’s programs to address childhood overweight and obesity include the family-based Pediatric Weight Control Program and the outpatient Pediatric Weight Clinic. A program reference card is available here.

Pediatric Weight Control Program

Pediatric Weight Clinic

The Pediatric Weight Control Program is a family-based, group program designed to prevent and treat overweight and obesity in children and adolescents through lifestyle/behavior changes.

  • Outpatient program (does not require a hospital stay) 
  • Requires the participation of at least one parent or guardian
  • Groups meet weekly for 6 months (25 sessions)
  • 12 families per group are led by a parent coach and a child coach

The Pediatric Weight Clinic is for children and adolescents with severe obesity who require comprehensive evaluation and treatment. The clinic focuses on understanding the potential causes and complications of obesity and providing lifestyle, medical and surgical treatments.

  • Outpatient clinic (does not require a hospital stay)
  • Patients meet individually with doctors, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists and social workers
  • Patients may also participate in the Pediatric Weight Control Program

Which Patients Are Eligible?

  • Children ages 8-15 (groups offered in English and Spanish)
  • BMI ≥ 95th percentile or ≥ 85th percentile with an obesity-related health problem (comorbidity)

Learn more about eligibility

Which Patients Are Eligible?

  • Patients of all ages
  • BMI ≥ 120% of the 95th percentile for age

We recommend that primary care providers manage a patient for at least six months before referring the patient to the Pediatric Weight Clinic except in cases of medical urgency.

Health Care Team

  • Behavior coaches for parents and children
  • Nutritionist guest speakers

Health Care Team

  • Physicians
  • Nurses
  • Psychologists
  • Nutritionists
  • Social Workers

Referral

  • Parents can call (650) 725-4424 (English/Spanish). A referral from a health care provider is not required.

Referral

  • A health care provider must refer your child to the clinic by calling (650) 725-8707.

Insurance

  • The program is not covered by insurance. However, most families qualify for assistance and/or are eligible for a grant.

Insurance

  • Covered by most insurance plans (coverage varies)
  • Insurance authorization may be required prior to clinic visit