Discrepancies Between Recommendations in Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Management of Obesity in Adolescents and Adults: An Evidence Map.

Abstract

Background/aim: The aim of this evidence map is to provide a systematic overview of evidence-based guidelines for the management of obesity and to highlight discrepancies between recommendations for the pediatric and adult populations. Knowing about these discrepancies may be relevant during the transition from pediatrics to adult healthcare to enable a structured, successful transfer.

Methods: We used two already existing guideline synopses of the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care as a basis and additionally searched Embase and Medline as well as guideline portals for creating a systematic overview of evidence-based pediatric and adult guidelines on obesity management. The quality of the identified guidelines was assessed using AGREE II.

Results: Thirty-nine guidelines (published 08/2017 to 08/2023), containing 1248 recommendations, were included in the review and allocated to nine different healthcare categories. Discrepancies between the pediatric and adult populations were mainly identified in diagnostics and health behavior lifestyle treatment. Gaps were found in recommendations for bariatric surgery, pharmacotherapy, and emergency (-contraception).

Conclusion: The unique characteristics of adolescence are insufficiently addressed in current evidence-based guidelines. Therefore, healthcare professionals may benefit from considering the discrepancies and gaps identified in this review when providing recommendations during the transition of healthcare for this age group.