Pediatric Obesity Algorithm: A Practical Approach to Obesity Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a growing global health problem. Despite the highest rates of childhood obesity in the United States and other developed countries over the last 30 years, there is still no clear treatment strategy. Practitioners often do not know where to turn to find guidance on managing the nearly one third of their population who present for medical care either with obesity that coexists with other medical problems or because of obesity. The Pediatric Obesity Algorithm is an evidence based roadmap for the diagnosis and management of children with obesity. In this article, we summarize topics from the Pediatric Obesity Algorithm pertaining to pediatric obesity diagnosis, evaluation, and management including assessment, differential diagnosis, review of systems, diagnostic work up, physical exam, age specific management, comorbidities, use of medications and surgery, and medication associated weight gain. Identifying and treating children with obesity as early as possible is important, as is identifying comorbid conditions. Earlier and more comprehensive management through resources such as the Pediatric Obesity Algorithm serve to help guide health care practitioners with a practical and evidence based approach to the diagnosis and management of children with obesity, and provide families with the tools needed for a healthy future.

Long-Term Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in Obese Children During Integrated Weight-Loss Programme - A Double Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…Therefore, early and efficient intervention increases likelihood of staying healthy in the future. As pharmacological and surgical interventions in children are limited [15][16][17], trials looking for substances supporting lifestyle interventions were run, looking at several different dietary supplements, hers (green tea, yerba mate), DHA among others [18][19][20][21][22]. Vitamin D was also studied in regards to its possible impact on body mass reduction and metabolic changes in adults and children with obesity [23,24].…”

Effect of Obesity on Cognitive Function: A Comparative Study of Cognitive Level in Normal Weight and Obesity Students at Senior High School in West Java Indonesia

“…Inadequate sleep will affect hunger mechanisms and it will contribute to obesity. Teenagers need to sleep at least 10 hours a day [18].…”

Effects of bariatric surgery on psychological well-being among adolescents: a case series study from Turkey

“…An epidemic of current medical era, childhood obesity, with an estimated prevalence of 18.5% has various comorbidities including type II diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, pseudotumor cerebri and psychiatric conditions. 1,2 Behavioral therapy as dietary regulations and physical activity is preferred as first line treatment while pharmacotherapy such as orlistat and metformin are included if first line of treatment becomes ineffective. Despite being present at most guidelines; bariatric surgery is rarely preferred in patients under age 18 as it composes only 1% of all bariatric surgeries.…”