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Updated: Jun 16, 2025

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Obesity management in the pediatric patient
Kelly L Matson1, Norman E Fenn2
1Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, and Department of Pharmacy, UMass Memorial Health - University Campus, Worcester, MA, USA.
Pediatric obesity is rising, requiring comprehensive management including lifestyle changes and potential pharmacotherapy or surgery. Treatment decisions for childhood obesity should be individualized based on patient needs and comorbidities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Public Health
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Childhood obesity prevalence has surged, affecting 20.7% of children and 22.2% of adolescents.
- Obesity is a complex condition influenced by diet, physical activity, genetics, and social determinants.
- Effective management requires a multifaceted approach tailored to individual needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatment modalities for pediatric obesity.
- To discuss nonpharmacological, pharmacological, and surgical interventions.
- To provide an overview of obesity management strategies for children and adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of treatment options for pediatric obesity.
- Analysis of nonpharmacological, pharmacological, and surgical interventions.
- Synthesis of current evidence on obesity management in youth.
Main Results:
- Lifestyle interventions (nutrition, physical activity, behavioral change) are foundational.
- Pharmacotherapy options like metformin, orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, GLP-1 RAs, and setmelanotide show varied efficacy for specific conditions.
- Bariatric surgery is indicated for adolescents with severe obesity meeting specific criteria.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive obesity management involves lifestyle programs, mental health support, and addressing social determinants.
- Pharmacotherapy decisions require shared decision-making, considering comorbidities and drug interactions.
- Surgical evaluation is reserved for adolescents with severe obesity.
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