New Guidelines for Kids With Obesity: What Parents Should Know

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released new guidelines for evaluating and treating children and adolescents with obesity. The guidelines emphasize the importance of primary prevention and early intervention to prevent obesity in children.

Here are some key points from the new guidelines:

Prevention:

- Encouraging healthy eating and regular physical activity should start in early childhood and continue throughout adolescence.

- Parents should provide a healthy home environment that supports healthy eating and physical activity, such as limiting unhealthy foods and drinks and encouraging family meals.

Evaluation:

- All children should be screened for obesity at regular well-child visits, starting at age 2 years.

- The AAP recommends using body mass index (BMI) to screen for obesity, but also considers other factors such as body composition, waist circumference, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Treatment:

- Treatment for children with obesity should include a comprehensive approach that addresses diet, physical activity, and behavioral changes.

- The goal of treatment is to improve overall health and well-being, rather than just focusing on weight loss.

- Treatment may include lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity and healthy eating, as well as behavioral therapy and, in some cases, medication.

Parents should talk to their child's doctor if they have concerns about their child's weight or health.

The AAP guidelines provide comprehensive and evidence-based recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with obesity. Parents should work closely with their child's doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan that is right for their child.

Additional resources:

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Childhood Obesity

- American Academy of Pediatrics: Healthy Children