Managing overweight in older children and adolescents

Because overweight and obesity are chronic health conditions, long-term management is necessary, with particular attention to comorbidities. Lifestyle modification including changes in diet and activity can be accomplished in the primary care setting. Many overweight and obese children and adolescents can achieve weight loss of 0.5 kg per week even over long periods. For some severely obese children, pharmacotherapy or surgery may be necessary.