Evaluating and treating pediatric obesity: A practice update.

Abstract

Abstract: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2023 released a guideline for evaluating and treating children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. The AAP advocated for a patient-centered, comprehensive ("whole child") approach to evaluation and a treatment regimen that includes a foundation of both motivational interviewing and intensive health behavior and lifestyle therapy, along with adjunctive pharmacotherapy and referral of adolescents with severe obesity to bariatric surgery. This article reviews the diagnosis of pediatric obesity and provides an update on the latest evidence and expert recommendations for evaluation and treatment of this condition.