Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #103064

Gordy Wrobel, PhD, NCSP and Peter T. Whelley, MS, NCSP. Health Care Initiative, National Association of School Psychologists, 961 Nebraska Ave, St. Paul, MN 55117, 651-489-5002, gordywrobel@covelodge.com

Title: Winning at the Losing Game: Mental Health‚s Impact on Obesity

Weight management strategies for children and adolescents typically focus on nutrition and exercise. Mental health issues are often overlooked in both diagnosis and invention for obesity. Obesity and other eating disorders are frequently co-morbid with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and compulsive disorders. This session will present a review of the literature on the interaction of obesity and mental health disorders. Special attention will be given to successful education and public health strategies that address obesity from a mental health perspective. Efforts by the food manufacturing industries to address obesity will be examined. An analysis of initiatives being launched by food manufacturers will focus on the psychological strategies used in advertising aimed at children. The addictive features of foods and food additives will be examined. Curriculum focused on developing cognitive and behavioral coping strategies in children and adolescents will be presented. Best practices involving education and public health will be identifies. Specific recommendations for developing systemic interventions for obesity that involve education and public health professionals working together will be provided along with resources for current information on best practices in prevention, intervention, and treatment. A description of the National Association of School Psychologists‚ efforts related to obesity will be highlighted.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this session will gain a working knowledge of

• the prevalence of obesity and other eating disorders
• the co-morbidity with other mental health disorders
• best practices in treating obesity
• trends in the food industry related to obesity
• strategies for developing comprehensive education and public health interventions
• resources for current best practices in obesity prevention, intervention and treatment

Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Obesity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.