How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Weight Management Counseling

Audience: pediatric

Preparing for a video visit about weight management counseling can help you and your child get the most from the appointment. These visits focus on healthy habits like eating well, staying active, and managing weight in a safe way. During the video call, a healthcare provider will talk with you about your child's growth, lifestyle, and goals. They may offer tips to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and support emotional well-being. It is important to have information ready, such as recent growth measurements and any questions you have. Video visits are a convenient way to discuss weight management but may not replace in-person exams if a physical checkup is needed. If you notice urgent health concerns, seek immediate care. This guide helps families prepare for a productive and supportive telemedicine visit about pediatric weight management.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, unexplained weight loss or gain — seek urgent medical evaluation.
• Signs of depression, anxiety, or self-harm in your child — contact a healthcare provider immediately.
• Severe physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe abdominal pain — get emergency care promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing healthy eating habits and physical activity recommendations.
• Reviewing growth measurements and setting weight management goals.
• Providing emotional support and counseling related to weight and body image.
• Answering questions about lifestyle changes and healthy behaviors.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical examination or measuring vital signs.
• Diagnosing medical conditions that require lab tests or imaging.
• Managing emergencies or severe symptoms needing immediate care.
• Prescribing controlled medications without in-person assessment.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

During the video visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and emotional health. They may review growth charts or recent measurements like weight and height. The provider will discuss healthy lifestyle changes tailored to your child's needs. They may also talk about setting realistic goals and ways to support your child at home. The visit is a chance to ask questions and share concerns about your child's health.

How to Prepare for the Visit

Before the appointment, gather important information such as your child's recent weight and height, any medical history, and a list of current medications or supplements. Think about your child's daily routine, including meals, snacks, screen time, and physical activity. Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss. Make sure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to a reliable internet source. Find a quiet, private space for the call to help your child feel comfortable.

Tips for a Successful Video Visit

Test your video and audio before the appointment to avoid technical issues. Have a notepad ready to take notes during the visit. Encourage your child to participate by asking how they feel and what activities they enjoy. Be honest about challenges you face at home. Remember, the provider is there to support your family, not to judge. If the video visit cannot answer all questions, the provider may suggest an in-person visit.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Sometimes, a video visit may not be enough. If your child has symptoms like severe stomach pain, trouble breathing, sudden weight loss, or signs of depression or anxiety, seek in-person medical care promptly. Physical exams, lab tests, or other procedures may be needed to fully understand your child's health. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider about when to come in for a face-to-face visit.

Supporting Your Child After the Visit

After the video visit, try to follow the guidance and recommendations given. This may include changes in diet, increasing physical activity, or monitoring emotional health. Keep track of your child's progress and any questions that come up. Schedule follow-up visits as recommended. Remember that healthy weight management is a gradual process that involves the whole family.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Gather recent measurements of your child's weight and height if available.
• List all current medications, supplements, and any medical conditions.
• Prepare a quiet, private space with good lighting and internet connection for the video call.
• Write down questions or concerns you want to discuss during the visit.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is fully charged and has video/audio capability.
• Have a notepad or device ready to take notes during the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the lifestyle recommendations and goals discussed during the visit.
• Monitor your child's progress with healthy eating and physical activity changes.
• Keep track of any new symptoms or concerns and communicate them to your provider.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as advised to review progress and adjust plans.
• Seek in-person care if your child develops urgent or worsening symptoms.
• Support your child's emotional well-being and encourage open communication about health.

FAQs

What if my child is shy or uncomfortable during the video visit?

It's common for children to feel shy during video visits. Try to make the environment comfortable and familiar. Encourage your child to speak openly, but don't force them. The healthcare provider is experienced in working with children and will be patient and supportive.

Can I have other family members join the video visit?

Yes, having other family members join can be helpful for support and to share information. Just make sure everyone is aware of the appointment time and that the space is private and free from distractions.

How often should my child have weight management counseling?

The frequency varies depending on your child's needs and progress. Your healthcare provider will recommend follow-up visits, which might be every few months or as needed to support healthy habits and monitor growth.

What should I do if I don’t have reliable internet for the video visit?

If internet access is limited, contact your healthcare provider's office. They may offer phone visits or help you find a location with better connectivity. It's important to have some form of communication to support your child's health.

Will the provider recommend specific diets or exercise programs?

Providers typically suggest balanced, age-appropriate nutrition and physical activity tailored to your child's preferences and lifestyle. They avoid strict diets and focus on sustainable, healthy habits rather than quick fixes.

Sources

1. Childhood Obesity Facts — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Healthy Weight: Managing Childhood Obesity — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Pediatric Weight Management — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — World Health Organization (WHO).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate in-person medical attention.