In a recent statement published in JAMA , researchers at the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) discussed the high prevalence of obesity among adolescents and children in the US, particularly among certain ethnic groups and those from lower-income families. This recommendation updates the 2017 USPSTF statement on screening for obesity in adolescents and children aged six years or older. Experts now recommend that clinicians provide or refer patients aged six years and older presenting with a high body mass index (BMI) to comprehensive, intensive behavioral interventions.
Nearly 20% of US adolescents and children between the ages of 2 and 19 have a BMI either at or more than the 95th percentile for their sex and age, as per growth charts by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from 2000. This prevalence rises with age and is particularly pronounced among Native American/Alaska Native, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic/Latino children, as well as those belonging to lower-income households. The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on pharmacotherapy and behavioral counseling interventions for weight management or weight loss that can be referred to or provided from primary care settings.
Surgical weight loss interventions were not included. Fifty randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with 8,798 participants examined behavioral interventions, showing significant reductions in BMI and improvements in quality of life and cardiometabolic risk factors. Eight trials assessed pharmacothera.
