Virtual Nutrition Counseling in Pediatric Primary Care: An Integrated Approach to the Prevention and Management of Pediatric Obesity

Abstract

Given the rising prevalence of pediatric obesity, new approaches to the delivery of targeted nutrition counseling to not only prevent but also treat pediatric obesity are needed. The integration of a dietitian virtually was a successful quality improvement measure in this academic pediatric primary care clinic. The virtual dietitian provided age-appropriate nutrition counseling at well-child visits from 9 months to 6 years of age. Dietary counseling was also provided for children with overweight and obesity regardless of age. Vegetable, fruit, snack, and dairy intake was assessed in children who received counseling versus those who had traditional well childcare. Improved dairy habits were noted in the counseling cohort. A decrease in body mass index was not demonstrated in the patients with obesity or overweight; however, patient and provider satisfaction was quite high with this novel quality improvement measure. Virtual nutrition counseling can be easily integrated to facilitate a comprehensive pediatric medical home.