TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS OBESITY SCREENING OF CHILDREN
Based on new evidence that children can be effectively treated for obesity, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that clinicians screen children ages 6 to 18 years for obesity and refer them to programs to improve their weight status. The recommendations are explained in the special article, "Screening for Obesity in Children and Adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement," in the February issue of Pediatrics (appearing online Jan. 18). The task force reviewed 20 clinical trials of behavioral and pharmacologic interventions for obesity and found comprehensive, intense programs are effective at helping children improve their body mass index (BMI). In an accompanying commentary, "Evidence for Effective Obesity Treatment: Pediatricians on the Right Track!", pediatrician and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Board of Directors member Sandra Hassink, MD, FAAP, examines the recommendations and how they complement those of the AAP, which call for routine obesity screening of children starting at age 2. A third article in this issue, "Adoption of Body Mass Index Guidelines for Screening and Counseling in Pediatric Practice," describes the results of a survey of AAP members that examined how frequently pediatricians screen for obesity in practice.
Access the articles:
- Screening for Obesity in Children and Adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
- Evidence for Effective Obesity Treatment: Pediatricians on the Right Track!
- Adoption of Body Mass Index Guidelines for Screening and Counseling in Pediatric Practice
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