New guideline takes a patient-centered approach to treating childhood obesity

New guideline takes a patient-centered approach to treating childhood obesity

A new guideline to help healthcare providers address childhood and adolescent obesity takes a patient-centered approach and emphasizes behavioral and psychological supports that focus on outcomes valued by patients and their families.

The policyhttps://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.241456based on the latest evidence is published inCMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

It was developed by Obesity Canada through an extensive, 4-year collaboration with youth and caregivers with lived experiences of obesity, methods, methodologies, health care providers, and more than 50 multidisciplinary experts.

The guideline is intended to support shared and informed clinical decision-making based on systematic, interpretable summaries of scientific evidence. To achieve this, we have developed a transparent process to assess the totality of scientific evidence for relevant interventions to treat pediatric obesity while prioritizing the outcomes that matter most to children, adolescents and their families. “

Dr. Bradley Johnston, associate professor of nutrition and health research methods and co-chair of the policy development committee

These outcomes include quality of life, mental health, associated cardiovascular risk factors, harm prevention, and more.

Pediatric obesity is a complex, chronic, progressive, and stigmatized condition that increases the risk of more than 200 health conditions. In Canada, about 1 in 4 children aged 11 or younger and 1 in 3 adolescents aged 12 to 17 have an elevated body mass index, indicating overweight or obesity. International data suggests that serious obesity appears to be increasing worldwide.

“The health consequences and persistence of pediatric obesity into adulthood demonstrate the need for available, accessible, family-focused interventions for effective obesity management,” says Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam, scientific director of Adesity Canada. “Success in treating pediatric obesity is most likely when children and their families can access support and practical strategies to make and maintain positive behavior changes, supplemented by pharmacological and surgical interventions when necessary and available.”

The guideline contains 10 recommendations, including guidance on nutrition, physical activity, psychological and technological interventions, and medication and surgical options, as well as 9 good statements. The authors recommend combining at least 2 options to manage obesity.

"We know that the time to respond to pediatric obesity is now. Waiting until children and young people become adults before receiving meaningful, informed, evidence-based care and support increases the risk of developing complications and prolongs the experience of living with a stigmatized chronic illness that can further worsen physical and mental health.

Obesity Canada has developed resources, including infographics and videos, to help healthcare providers and families determine the best way to manage childhood obesity.

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