P OBESITY

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Here’s a summary table of key information and findings from the article "Managing obesity in children: a clinical practice guideline" (Ball GDC, Merdad R, Birken CS, et al., CMAJ, 2025):

Section/Topic	Key Information
Title	Managing obesity in children: a clinical practice guideline. CMAJ, 2025 Apr 13;197(14):E372-E389. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.241456.
Objective	To provide evidence-based recommendations for managing obesity in children.
Target Audience	Healthcare providers involved in the care of children with obesity.
Scope of the Guideline	Focuses on the prevention, assessment, and management of obesity in children, including treatment strategies and lifestyle interventions.
Key Recommendations	- Early identification of obesity in children and routine screening.
	- Comprehensive assessment of obesity-related comorbidities.
	- Tailored treatment plans including diet, physical activity, and behavioral interventions.
	- Involvement of multidisciplinary teams (e.g., dietitians, psychologists).
	- Encouragement of family-based approaches for long-term success.
	- Pharmacological and surgical options for severe obesity in specific cases.
Obesity Assessment	- Use of growth charts to monitor body mass index (BMI) percentiles.
	- Screening for related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension.
Lifestyle Interventions	- Dietary modifications emphasizing balanced nutrition and reduction of high-calorie foods.
	- Increased physical activity, with a goal of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise daily.
	- Behavioral strategies such as goal setting, self-monitoring, and family support.
Pharmacological Interventions	- Consideration of medication for children with severe obesity or comorbidities who fail lifestyle interventions.
	- Medications such as orlistat or GLP-1 receptor agonists may be appropriate in select cases.
Surgical Interventions	- Bariatric surgery may be indicated for children with severe obesity and comorbid conditions after failure of other treatments.
Prevention Strategies	- Early intervention during childhood to promote healthy eating habits and active lifestyles.
	- Public health efforts to reduce childhood obesity through policies and environmental changes.
Family Involvement	- Families should be engaged in the treatment plan and be supportive of lifestyle changes to foster long-term success.
Monitoring and Follow-up	- Regular follow-up visits to assess weight loss progress, comorbidity management, and psychological well-being.
Outcomes and Effectiveness	- Long-term management of obesity can result in improved physical health, psychological well-being, and reduced comorbidities.
Limitations	- Variation in clinical practices and access to resources may affect implementation of the guideline.
Conclusion	Effective management of childhood obesity requires a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach that addresses the physical, behavioral, and psychological aspects of the condition.

This clinical guideline provides a comprehensive approach to managing obesity in children through early intervention, tailored lifestyle changes, and, where appropriate, pharmacological and surgical treatments. It emphasizes the importance of family involvement and a multi-disciplinary care team.

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