Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management Project

A specialized program for pediatric and adolescent weight management

The Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management Project at the University of Illinois Medical Center offers a New Hope for severely overweight teenagers and their families.  Our specialized program provides ongoing support of an adolescent pediatrician, pediatric surgeons, pediatric nurse practitioners, nutritionists, psychologists, and physical therapists.  In addition, pediatric sub-specialists, such as pulmonologists, hepatologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, orthopedic surgeons, and plastic surgeons are available for consultation as needed by individual patients. 

The goal of the New Hope Project is to optimize both the physical and emotional health of the teenager while providing support for his/her family.  While weight loss is one standard of success, another important standard is the improvement or resolution of health problems that are caused or aggravated by being overweight such as hypertension, sleep apnea, or diabetes.  While not every teen has these additional health problems, our team will perform a comprehensive assessment for the presence of any other condition and treat the patient as needed.

All of our patients have tried many techniques to lose their excess weight.  Most have had some success but have then regained their lost weight.  This is a very typical pattern for overweight individuals and is extremely demoralizing.  Our team is very familiar with caring for teenagers who have a severe weight problem. The University of Illinois Medical Center's New Hope Program offers patients an environment that is based on a deep understanding of the issues and care that is given with compassion, acceptance and abundant support.

Our program tailors psychological, nutritional, and activity support according to the patient's individual needs.  For some of our teenagers, this combination works to reduce their weight and improve their health. However, others need the addition of the adjustable gastric band surgery to achieve this goal.

Our main goal is the optimal health of your teenager. All of us at the New Hope   Program look forward to meeting with you, discussing all aspects of our program, and working with your family.  Please do not hesitate to communicate your questions or thoughts to us at any time.