The American Academy of Pediatrics issues its first comprehensive guidelines in 15 years on the treatment of childhood obesity. Dr. Amanda Staiano with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center said the watchful waiting approach to see if a child matures to an appropriate weight has been revised.
“We reviewed over 16,000 studies and found that the best approach is a more intense approach to give families tools right away that they can use to lose weight,” said Staiano.
Tools like nutritional counseling, a healthy sleep program, and more physical activity. And for some children that includes medication and weight loss surgery.
Staiano said the guidelines begin as early as age two and the sooner they can address a child’s weight issues the better.
“There are different recommendations based on that child’s weight and age on what’s appropriate for the child. Doctors are working with families to make sure that that child’s home and school environment is promoting healthier behaviors,” said Staiano.
The new guidelines recommend both children and adolescents be offered intensive treatment and Staiano said once they are teenagers many are eligible for FDA-approved medication and weight loss surgery.
“These are safe and effective treatment options, that have been shown to help adolescents to lose weight and get them on a better health trajectory,” said Staiano.
Under the Affordable Care Act, Staiano said insurance companies are expected to cover the new treatment guidelines. If you have concerns about childhood obesity, she said to discuss it with your child’s pediatrician.
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