Pediatric Bariatrics: Trends in Mobility, Safety, Risk, and Ethics

Obesity is a major concern for many adults, but more importantly, it is thought to be the leading health problem facing U.S. children today. In healthcare settings, children of size may become immobile simply because of their body weight, postural instability, and weight maldistribution. Patient safety and caregiver injury are fast becoming serious considerations in managing the clinical care of children who are obese. This article explores and identifies some of the challenges in mobilizing larger children, with an eye to preventing caregiver injury. Safety, risk, and ethical concerns are discussed within this context.