{"id":23994,"date":"2023-01-10T09:14:13","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T16:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theumphx.com\/2023\/01\/10\/american-academy-of-pediatrics-issues-new-guideline-for-treating-children-with-obesity\/"},"modified":"2023-01-10T09:17:56","modified_gmt":"2023-01-10T16:17:56","slug":"american-academy-of-pediatrics-issues-new-guideline-for-treating-children-with-obesity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theumphx.com\/2023\/01\/10\/american-academy-of-pediatrics-issues-new-guideline-for-treating-children-with-obesity\/","title":{"rendered":"American Academy of Pediatrics Issues New Guideline For Treating Children With Obesity"},"content":{"rendered":"

More than 14.4 million U.S. children and teens live with a common chronic disease that has been stigmatized for years and is associated with serious short and long-term health concerns when left untreated, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.<\/p>\n

The disease is obesity, and it can be treated successfully with the recognition that complex genetic, physiologic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors are at play, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.<\/p>\n

The AAP has published its first comprehensive guidance in 15 years that highlights more evidence than ever that obesity treatment is safe and effective. Evidence-based recommendations on medical care for those age 2 and older are included within a new \u201cClinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Obesity,<\/strong><\/a>\u201d published in the February 2023 Pediatrics (published online Jan. 9). The guideline is accompanied by an\u00a0executive summary<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and two technical reports, \u201cAppraisal of Clinical Care Practices for Child Obesity Treatment. Part I: Interventions,<\/strong><\/a>\u201d and \u201cAppraisal of Clinical Care Practices for Child Obesity Treatment. Part II: Comorbidities.<\/strong><\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWeight is a sensitive topic for most of us, and children and teens are especially aware of the harsh and unfair stigma that comes with being affected by it,\u201d said Sarah Hampl, MD, a lead author of the guideline, created by a multidisciplinary group of experts in various fields, along with primary care providers and a family representative.<\/p>\n

\u201cResearch tells us that we need to take a close look at families \u2014 where they live, their access to nutritious food, health care and opportunities for physical activity\u2013as well as other factors that are associated with health, quality-of- life outcomes and risks. Our kids need the medical support, understanding and resources we can provide within a treatment plan that involves the whole family,\u201d said Dr. Hampl, chair of the Clinical Practice Guideline Subcommittee on Obesity.<\/p>\n

The AAP guideline contains key action statements, which represent evidence-based recommendations for evaluating and treating children with overweight and obesity and related health concerns. These recommendations include motivational interviewing, intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment, pharmacotherapy and metabolic and bariatric surgery. The approach considers the child\u2019s health status, family system, community context, and resources.<\/p>\n

The guideline discusses increased risks for children with special health care needs, as well as inequities that promote obesity in childhood, such as the marketing of unhealthy food, low socioeconomic status and household food insecurity. The role of structural racism has played in obesity prevalence is also discussed.<\/p>\n

Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile and below the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex. Obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex.<\/p>\n

The guideline does not discuss obesity prevention, which will be addressed in another forthcoming AAP policy statement. The AAP describes the role of a primary care physician \u2013 or medical home \u2014 in overseeing intensive and long-term care strategies, ongoing medical monitoring, and treatment of youth with obesity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no evidence that \u2018watchful waiting\u2019 or delayed treatment is appropriate for children with obesity,\u201d said Sandra Hassink, MD, an author of the guideline and vice chair of the Clinical Practice Guideline Subcommittee on Obesity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe goal is to help patients make changes in lifestyle, behaviors or environment in a way that is sustainable and involves families in decision-making at every step of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Key action statements guide physicians on how to evaluate children and teens for obesity. The AAP also recommends:<\/p>\n