A biopsychosocial model for youth obesity: Consideration of an ecosystemic collaboration

Abstract

Youth obesity is a difficult problem for health care professionals, the patients’ themselves, and their families. This complex issue requires new theoretical and clinical models for intervention, which accommodates interdisciplinary collaboration. The Family-Collaborative Ecosystemic Model (FEM) is a view of obesity grounded in family systems theory, ecosystems theory and biopsychosocial theory, integrated with Eastern and Western philosophical views of health. The Ecosystemic Biopsychosocial Grid (EBG) is presented as a clinical application to evaluate the clinical picture and organize delivery of interventions. The EBG can be used to assess resources and obstacles in ten domains or levels of patients’ daily experience of obesity. Using a strengths perspective, it utilizes the experience of the patient and family, in partnership with the expertise of health care professionals, to meet patient and family-centered goals of health.