Call: New Pediatric Obesity Recommendations
Posted: Jan 10 in Pediatric Obesity by Dr. Lazarus
Pediatric Obesity represents a growing threat to the health of our nation’s kids. Today, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a comprehensive guideline on evaluation and management of pediatric obesity, which you can read here. It’s been over 15 years since an expert panel convened and published recommendations on pediatric obesity, so this was long overdue.
Pediatric Obesity Management Highlights
- Obesity is a chronic disease requiring evaluation and treatment through the entire lifespan.
- Obesity impacts kids in a variety of ways ranging from adverse health consequenses to health equity concerns, bias and stigma.
- Evaluation / management includes a comprehensive history, a family-based treatment, and longitudinal care with a plan to transition into adulthood.
- In addition to healthy behavior therapy and lifestyle treatment, the use of anti-obesity medication is appropriate for children 12 and older.
- For teens 13 and older with severe obesity, surgery should be considered.
CNN published a nice summary of the new guidelines here.
Take home message:
Treat obesity early. Treat obesity often. Treat obesity seriously.