The Health School provides treatment for obesity to children and adolescents, and they and their families are guided on weight management and a healthy lifestyle. The treatment involves teaching methods to:

• achieve and maintain a healthy weight

• improve long-term quality of life

• encourage the children in a supportive way

• provide dietary advice

• incorporate physical activity into daily life. If an emotional or behavioral issue is present, it is recommended to seek treatment in an appropriate treatment program.

Eligibility for Health School services

Children and adolescents who are 2.5 standard deviations above the average BMI curve or have experienced significant weight gain in a short period.

Intake interview

During the first visit, an intake interview takes place, lasting about 90 minutes, where the child and legal guardian meet with a doctor, nurse, and sports scientist.

• The Health School is introduced and lifestyle habits are discussed.

• The child's or adolescent's health history is reviewed.

• Height, weight, and blood pressure are measured, and waist and upper arm circumference are taken.

• The child or adolescent receives a request for a blood test.

• After the interview, the need for treatment is assessed.

Treatment at the Health School

During the first visit after the intake interview, a case manager is introduced, and the child and legal guardian are informed of the next steps, which involve the child and legal guardian attending:

• Regular consultations with the Health School's therapists.

• Group education sessions of one hour (3 sessions) where parents of children aged 7-11 attend without the child.

• Parents of children aged 12-18 attend with the child (3 sessions).

• Three individual goal-setting sessions where the child attends with a legal guardian.

• If group treatment is not suitable for a child, accommodations will be made.

Follow-up

The child is followed up on every three months for one year, and then once a year after that or more often as needed. We aim for long-term monitoring in close collaboration with the child's and family's local healthcare center.

Waiting time

Due to the number of applications, the waiting time can be long.

• It is encouraged to use the waiting time well and consider whether the family can make changes to their lifestyle in consultation with the referrer.

• It is a good idea to familiarize oneself with recommendations for a healthy lifestyle on heilsuvera.is.

If changes occur that cause increased issues, if services from the Health School are no longer desired, or if more information is requested, please let us know at the email address:heilsuskolinn@landspitali.is.