Science, not blame: pediatric obesity update.

With the global increase in obesity, pediatric nurses should identify children who are at risk and provide advice when a child becomes overweight. Many health care providers believe that they are experts on the topic of obesity; it is “common knowledge” that those who are obese are overeaters who have made poor choices. Dogma colored with blame is quickly detected by children and their parents (Teachman & Brownell, 2001) and does not foster a compassionate and effective interaction.While excess caloric intake and lack of activity are the primary reasons for most obesity today, this is a simplification of a complex problem. This paper provides an update of factors associated with the development of obesity—epigenetics, endocrine disruptors, and gut microbes (Fleisch, Wright, & Baccarelli, 2012). Current knowledge is essential in providing the thoughtful care and advice that children and their families require and reducing a culture of blame.