Kids with obesity need ‘behavioral counseling,’ task force recommends: 'Call to action'

close Video Medical guidelines recommend drugs, surgery for teens struggling with obesity 'Outnumbered' panelists criticize the increasing normalization of obesity and discuss the problems that come with subjecting children to weigh-loss surgery as young as 13 years old. Young people with obesity should receive intensive behavioral counseling, according to a major health agency. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) conducted a systematic review of various types of weight management interventions — including behavioral counseling and prescription medications — for kids and teens aged 6 and older.

The official recommendation was published in JAMA on Tuesday. SEVERE CHILDHOOD OBESITY HAS INCREASED IN THE US The task force stated that people in this age group with a high BMI (95% or greater) should receive at least 26 hours of "comprehensive, intensive behavioral interventions." Young people with obesity should receive intensive behavioral counseling, according to a major health agency.

(iStock) "The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that providing or referring children and adolescents 6 years or older with a high BMI to comprehensive, intensive behavioral interventions has a moderate net benefit," the recommendation stated. WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATIONS ARE NOT EFFECTIVE WITHOUT ‘NUTRITION THERAPY,’ EXPERTS SAY "Therefore, clinicians should provide those with a high BMI with such interventions or refer them to appropriate health care professionals ." Approxima.