USPSTF Releases New Recommendation for Managing High Body-Mass Index in Children and Adolescents

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that children with BMIs ≥95th percentile be referred for intensive behavioral interventions.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Background

In 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its first-ever guideline to aid in evaluating and managing pediatric obesity. It highlighted intensive health behavior and lifestyle changes as the preferred treatment, complemented by adjunctive pharmacotherapy and evaluation for bariatric surgery in select situations (NEJM JW Gen Med Mar 1 2023 and Pediatrics 2023; 151:e2022060640). Now, the USPSTF has made a similar recommendation for intensive behavioral interventions for the ≈20% of children and adolescents in the U.S. with body-mass indexes (BMIs) ≥95th percentile. (Note: If you're wondering how 20% of the pediatric population can be in the top 5%, it's b…

Reviewing Author

James A. Feinstein, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Editorial BoardsPediatrics

James A. Feinstein, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Editorial BoardsPediatrics

USPSTF Releases New Recommendation for Managing High Body-Mass Index in Children and Adolescents

Topics

Background

Reviewing Author