Presentation of Obesity Sectors in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency (ARS) is actively working to enhance the management of overweight and obesity in the region as part of its regional strategy. Since 2018, it has been organizing care services for children, adolescents, and adults who are overweight or obese.
The goal, regardless of where individuals live, is to ensure accessible, graduated support that meets local needs, and to provide access to specialized services through a clear and organized process that connects various stakeholders and healthcare providers.
These sectors are divided into specific treatment pathways for:
Care Pathway for Overweight or Obese Children and Adolescents: How Does It Work?
The management of childhood and adolescent obesity is structured into levels. We identify three levels of care based on the severity or complexity of obesity (including the level of excess weight, the presence of comorbidities or complications, family psychological and sociological context, and prior care experiences).
Level 1: Local Care (Attending Physician)
Who is Concerned?
Professionals or Structures Involved
Support Provided
Overweight Children and Adolescents
General practitioners and treating physicians,
Health center professionals, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, adapted physical activity teachers, and local health establishments.
Occupational physicians, school doctors, and maternal and child protection (PMI) physicians are also key contacts at this stage of care.
At this level, the professional assesses the patient’s overweight or obesity. They evaluate the patient’s motivation and involvement, eating habits in relation to any potential eating disorders, and their engagement with physical activity. In particular, the practitioner measures the Body Mass Index (BMI) or waist circumference.
Level 2: Specialized Care
Who is Concerned?
Professionals or Structures Involved
Support Provided
Children and Adolescents with Non-Complex Obesity
Secondary care is administered by doctors who specialize in nutrition, endocrinology, or other relevant fields, and who have been referred specific patients with obesity by first-level healthcare professionals.
They will provide medical and/or surgical care in collaboration with follow-up and rehabilitation care institutions (SSR) that focus on “digestive, metabolic, and endocrine disorders.”
Who to Contact?
Auvergne (Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, Haute-Loire)
Lyon, Rhône, Roanne, Ain
Drôme, Ardèche, South Loire (Saint-Etienne)
Isère
Savoy
Haute-Savoie
Learn more about RePPOP in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Level 3: Care in Complex Situations
Who is Concerned?
Professionals or Structures Involved
Support Provided
Children and Adolescents with Complex Obesity
Third-level care is offered to individuals facing more complex situations in university hospitals (CHU), specialized obesity centers (CSO), and in collaboration with specialized follow-up and rehabilitation care institutions (SSR).
These cases are identified and coordinated at the regional or interregional level.
These centers possess the expertise (nutrition, endocrinology-metabolism, psychology, dietetics, etc.) and the necessary equipment for both medical and surgical care. They connect with key specialties (pulmonology, sleep medicine, cardiology, hepato-gastroenterology) and have teams of surgeons and anesthesiologists specializing in bariatric surgery.
Who to Contact?
Auvergne (Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, Haute-Loire)
Rhone Valley
Alpine Arc
Learn more about CSOs in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Presentation of Obesity Sectors in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency (ARS) has been proactive in enhancing the management of overweight and obesity since 2018. This initiative aims to forge structured pathways for children, adolescents, and adults struggling with obesity. The overarching goal is to ensure that all residents have access to graduated, adapted support tailored to local needs while also connecting them with expert services through a clear and organized route. A multifaceted collaboration with various stakeholders and health establishments underpins this support system.
The sectoral approach to obesity is meticulously designed, breaking down treatment pathways into three distinct levels based on the complexity and severity of the condition:
Care Pathway for Overweight or Obese Children and Adolescents: How Does It Work?
The management of childhood or adolescent obesity is distinguished into three levels of care, carefully structured to respond to different stages of severity and complexity.
Level 1: Local Care (Attending Physician)
Who is Concerned?
Overweight children and adolescents are the primary focus at this level.
Professionals or Structures Involved
- General practitioners and treating physicians
- Health center professionals
- Pharmacists
- Nurses
- Dieticians
- Physiotherapists
- Teachers of adapted physical activity
- Local health establishments
- Occupational physicians
- School doctors
- Maternal and Child Protection (PMI) physicians
Support Offered
At this stage, healthcare professionals conduct a comprehensive assessment of the child’s condition, including:
- Evaluation of motivation and involvement
- Analysis of dietary habits and potential eating disorders
- Assessment of physical activity levels
- Measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference
Level 2: Specialized Care
Who is Concerned?
This level caters to children and adolescents presenting with non-complex obesity.
Professionals or Structures Involved
Specialized care is provided by doctors specializing in nutrition, endocrinology, and other relevant areas, who are referred patients from primary care providers.
Support Offered
This care level includes:
- Medical and/or surgical interventions
- Collaboration with follow-up and rehabilitation care establishments specializing in digestive, metabolic, and endocrine disorders
Who to Contact?
| Region | Contact |
|---|---|
| Auvergne (Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, Haute-Loire) | RePPOP A |
| Lyon, Rhone, Roanne, Ain | RePPOP LyRRA |
| Drôme, Ardèche, South Loire (Saint-Etienne) | PreO RePPOP |
| Isere | RéPPOP 38 |
| Savoy | RéPPOP 73 |
| Haute-Savoie | RePPOP 74 |
Learn more about RePPOP in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Level 3: Care in Complex Situations
Who is Concerned?
This tier focuses on children and adolescents with complex obesity cases.
Professionals or Structures Involved
Third-level care is provided in university hospitals (CHU) and specialized obesity centers (CSO), which are coordinated at a regional or interregional level.
Support Offered
This phase includes:
- In-depth evaluations by specialized medical teams (nutrition, endocrinology-metabolism, psychology, dietetics)
- Access to specialized follow-up and rehabilitation care
- State-of-the-art medical and surgical facilities
The centers are equipped with the necessary tools to treat patients with complex needs, offering direct access to specialties like pulmonology, cardiology, and hepato-gastroenterology as well as bariatric surgical intervention.
Who to Contact?
| Region | Contact |
|---|---|
| Auvergne (Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, Haute-Loire) | CSO Heat |
| Rhone Valley | CIO |
| Alpine Arc | CSO Grenoble |
Learn more about CSOs in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Benefits of Structured Obesity Care Pathways
Structured obesity care pathways in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes offer numerous benefits, such as:
- Personalized Treatment: Tailored pathways allow for more effective management based on the individual’s specific needs.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration among healthcare providers ensures comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of health related to obesity.
- Improved Outcomes: Access to specialized services at earlier stages can lead to better health outcomes for overweight and obese individuals.
- Community Support: Engaging local professionals strengthens community involvement in tackling obesity.
Practical Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in managing childhood obesity. Here are some practical tips to consider:
- Encourage balanced diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Promote physical activity by involving children in sports or outdoor games.
- Limit screen time and encourage activities that promote movement.
- Provide a supportive environment that fosters healthy eating habits.
- Consult healthcare professionals regularly for guidance and support.
Case Studies: Success Stories in Obesity Management
Across the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, numerous children have successfully navigated their obesity care pathways:
- Case Study 1: A 12-year-old girl engaged in a specialized program that combined nutritional education with sports, resulting in a significant improvement in her health and well-being.
- Case Study 2: A teenage boy benefited from a multidisciplinary approach that included psychological support, helping him overcome emotional barriers related to his weight.
These success stories highlight the importance of structured care systems in achieving meaningful and sustainable health outcomes for those facing obesity challenges in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
