The American Academy of Pediatrics has published new guidance on the treatment of obesity in children ages 2 and older, its first update on the topic in 15 years.
The new recommendations were published Jan. 9 in the February edition of Pediatrics.
For the first time, the AAP includes recommendations on anti-obesity medications and surgery. The guidelines emphasize that intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment "is the most effective known behavioral treatment for child obesity." After nutrition support and behavioral therapy, weight-loss drugs should be offered to children 12 and older, and children aged 13 and older with severe obesity (BMI of at least 120 percent of the 95th percentile for age and sex) should be considered for weight-loss surgery.
"There is no evidence that 'watchful waiting' or delayed treatment is appropriate for children with obesity," Sandra Hassink, MD, a co-author on the new guidelines, said in a statement. "The 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."
The new guidelines come as the CDC predicts a significant surge in diabetes diagnoses among people under the age of 20 over the coming decades.