Adopting national recommendations for clinical management of pediatric obesity in primary care.

Abstract

Abstract: The World Health Organization reports that more than 390 million children and adolescents have obesity, with the US facing a prevalence of 14 million among this population and incurring an annual medical cost of $1.3 billion. Childhood and adolescent obesity stems from genetic, environmental, and socioecological factors, indicating the need for an evolving approach to pediatric obesity management. The updated 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics guideline for evaluation and treatment of pediatric obesity advocates for a child-centric strategy, considering health equity, racism, weight bias stigmatism, and adverse childhood experiences. Management includes intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment, partnership with communities to build comprehensive treatment programs, promotion of early intervention, consideration of pharmacotherapy for children age 12 years and older, selective use of bariatric surgery, screening for and treatment of comorbidities, integration of mental health treatment, and use of motivational interviewing to engage patients in their care. Pediatric primary care providers play a key role in identification of obesity and encouragement of obesity treatment. Proactive management of childhood obesity benefits individuals, families, and the nation. Early intervention holds the promise of substantial cost savings on obesity-related healthcare. Healthcare providers wield significant influence in reducing childhood morbidity and enhancing the overall health of US children and adolescents.