The World Health Organization has estimated more than 340 million children and adolescents ages 5-19 are overweight or obese, and the obesity epidemic has been linked to more deaths worldwide than those caused by underweight.
Efforts to stem the obesity crisis have led clinicians and health professionals to examine both the nutritional and psychological factors of childhood obesity.
– Nitesh Chawla
1. Obesity is a chronic disease
Obesity is a chronic disease that requires: intensive and long-term care strategies, assurance of continuous medical monitoring, and treatment of associated comorbidities.
2. Treatment of obesity should start early
Obesity is long-lasting and has persistent and negative health effects that can affect a child’s quality of life. A lifelong approach to identification and treatment should begin as early as possible and continue longitudinally through childhood, adolescence, with the transition to adult care.
3. The new recommendations on childhood obesity
Clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with obesity was published by the American Academy of Pediatrics released on February 1, 2023.According to the new guidelines, the most effective behavioral treatment for children with obesity who are older than 6 years is prompt intervention in an intensive treatment program for health-related behaviors and lifestyle.
4. The treatment is offered early and at the highest available intensity"
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and their families receive at least 26 hours of face-to-face counseling over 3-12 months. Such treatment includes coaching on nutrition, physical activity and changes in behavior, such as role modeling by parents.
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- childhood obesity
