USPSTF Recommends Screening for Obesity in Children Aged 6 Years and Older

Screening for obesity using BMI allows for successful primary care behavioral interventions.

Obesity remains a serious childhood condition in the U.S., affecting nearly 20% of the pediatric population. To update its 2010 recommendations, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) reviewed the literature assessing screening and treatment for obesity in children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years (NEJM JW Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Apr 2010 and Pediatrics 2010; 125:361).

Among the findings and recommendations:

All children and adolescents older than 6 years should be screened for obesity using body-mass index (BMI), and those who screen positive should receive behavioral intervention therapy. The recommendation was made with a moderate degree of certainty of benefit.
Intensive behavioral treatment in a primary care setting…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

USPSTF Recommends Screening for Obesity in Children Aged 6 Years and Older

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Reviewing Author