The BrennerFIT Program at Brenner Children’s Hospital is geared towards a holistic treatment of pediatric obesity for children 2-18 years of age. BrennerFIT involves the coordinated effort of physicians, psychologists, dietitians, physical therapists and nurse case managers.
BrennerFIT is a true multidisciplinary team designed to work with families and children affected by weight problems. BrennerFIT does not use restrictive diets or medication, but instead utilizes evidence-based methods of family-based behavior modification, combined with improved nutrition and physical activity.
BrennerFIT only sees patients with a medical co-morbidity that are referred by a physician. Listed below are the co-morbidities that qualify a patient for referral:
Risk of heart disease or
Hypercholesterolemia: elevated total cholesterol
Hyperlipidemia: elevated LDL cholesterol
Dyslipidemia: low HDL cholesterol
Hypertriglyceridemia: elevated triglycerides
Hypertension: secondary to obesity
Risk of diabetes
Hyperinsulinism: elevated insulin level
Elevated fasting glucose
Risk of future liver disease
Elevated liver function tests
Fatty liver disease (NAFLD, NASH)
Additional diagnoses that qualify for a BrennerFIT referral that may not present with abnormal lab values:
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE): fracture of the growth plate at the head of the femur
Blount’s Disease: bowing of the legs due to excessive weight on the lower leg bones
Pseudotumor cerebri: severe headaches due to increased pressure around the brain
Polycystic ovary syndrome: females with oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, acne, and/or hirsutism
Sleep apnea (excessive night time snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, apnea)
How To Refer to the BrennerFit Program
Have fasting laboratory studies done (see Referral Fax Form below)
Complete referral sheet including identified medical co-moribidity and current labs (we prefer a copy of the most recent laboratory results to be faxed with the referral sheet)
Fax completed referral form to (336) 716-9699
If a patient does not qualify for the program, we will contact you and make every opportunity to provide other resources for your patients.
NOTE: Patients referred to BrennerFIT will be scheduled for an orientation as soon as possible. After attending the orientation, they will be scheduled for an intake visit. Most families will be in the program for 1 year. We will update you every 3-6 months on their progress.
PLEASE CALL (336) 713-2348 IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
Brenner FIT Program Physician Referral Fax Form