Stage 4 in the Prevention Plus continuum corresponds to which level of care?

• A. Primary care physician office
• B. Stage 2 Structured weight management
• C. Multidisciplinary team at pediatric weight loss center
• D. Tertiary care

Answer: (D)

In this continuum, the most intensive level of care is used when obesity is complex or not responsive to earlier approaches. This top level is delivered at a specialized pediatric weight loss center by a multidisciplinary team. The team brings together medical doctors, dietitians, behavioral health specialists, exercise professionals, and others to perform a thorough health assessment and create an integrated, individualized plan. They can address obesity-related health risks, coordinate various treatments, and consider advanced options if appropriate. The other settings operate at lesser intensity: a routine primary care visit with basic counseling, or a structured weight-management program that provides more structured support but does not involve the comprehensive, high-resource approach of tertiary care.