Center for Obesity and its Consequences in Health Clinic  (C.O.A.C.H.)

The C.O.A.C.H. Clinic is a family-centered, multidisciplinary outpatient clinic designed to prevent and treat obesity in children and teens through lifestyle changes. The C.O.A.C.H. Clinic will require a strong commitment and readiness to make changes--on the part of both you and your child/teen. Patients referred to C.O.A.C.H. Clinic receive care and counseling over the course of their visits. The visits will range from monthly to quarterly to complete the program. In order to take part in our clinic, patients should be:

• Between the ages of 2-18
• Overweight (BMI greater than the 85^th percentile) plus one or more co-morbidity
• Obese (BMI greater than the 99^th percentile)
• Have a Parent/Guardian willing to participate along with the child/teen
• Motivated and ready to make changes

Download more information about the Coach Clinic

Possible Conditions

Our multidisciplinary team focuses on educating the individual and family to improve health.

• Elevated blood fat levels (Hypercholesterolemia and Hypertriglyceridemia)
• High Blood Pressure
• Elevated Liver Enzymes
• Sleep Apnea
• Insulin Resistance
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Metabolic Syndrome

Treatments include dietary, behavioral and exercise changes in lifestyle. We'll work with you to create the best treatment plan for your child.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

We look forward to helping you and your child achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. To be sure you and your family get the most benefit from your visit, we recommend:

• Scheduling an appointment that is convenient for you and your child. If unable to attend the appointment please call and reschedule.
• Allowing plenty of time for your appointment. New appointments take approximately 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
• Writing down any questions or concerns you may have for the Physician or APRN. We will be happy to address them during your visit.

The first appointment consists of the new patient and caregiver being triaged and meeting with our doctor/advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). It is possible that your child may see a Registered Dietitian, Physical Therapist, and/or Psychologist, if necessary.

The doctor/APRN will perform the following:

• Review all referral materials, including lab results
• History and Physical exam
• Prescribe the best treatment plan for new patient and parent/caregiver
• Determine if your child needs to see our Registered Dietitian, Physical Therapist, and/or Psychologist.
• Make referrals to other subspecialties (as needed)

Follow-up Visits

After the initial visit with the C.O.A.C.H. physician or APRN, your child will have 4 follow-up visits (at minimum) with our Registered Dietitian, Physical Therapy, and Psychology services.

• The Registered Dietitian will review what the patient and family/caregiver eats and drinks and help identify new ways to make small changes to become healthier.
• The Physical Therapist will review physical activity and help identify ideas for exercise that will be fun for the patient and caregiver.
• The Psychologist will review behaviors and help establish healthy lifestyle goals. They will help you understand factors that get in the way of being healthy.

Our multidisciplinary team focuses on educating the individual and family to improve health.

COACH Clinic Resources

• Nutrition Clinic
• Choosemyplate.gov
• Eatright.org
• Little Rock Marathon/Little Rockers Marathon & Training Programs
• Big Dam Bridge Foundation
• Little Rock Parks and Recreation
• North Little Rock Parks and Recreation
• Arkansas State Parks

Need a bike? Contact Ron King

C.O.A.C.H. Program FAQs

Q: Will I be on a diet?

A: Our program will not place a patient on a specific diet. Our program is customized to individual needs. We will NOT use meal substitutes, drinks, or diet pills. We work with the individual and family to improve food and drink choices, exercises, and behaviors by educating on preferences and setting short-term goals.

Q: How are follow-up appointments scheduled?

A: Patients are seen by a physician on their first visit to the C.O.A.C.H. clinic and then followed by a member of the ACCENT team until the last visit. Our team works closely with the family to develop a schedule based on their needs, situation and progress.

• 1st Visit - M.D.
• 2nd Visit- ACCENT Team
• 3rd Visit- ACCENT Team
• 4th Visit- ACCENT Team
• 5th Visit- ACCENT Team
• 6th Visit- M.D. Follow Up (~6 months post initial visit)