US pediatricians advise medication and surgery against childhood obesity

The Academy of Pediatricians of the United States updated this Monday for the first time in 15 years its recommendations to treat childhood obesity, which include both medication and surgery for children suffering from this “chronic condition”.

The new guidelines of the Academy of Pediatricians arise from the increase in cases of childhood obesity in the country, which represent more than fourteen million American children and adolescents, according to a statement from the entity.

Among these recommendations are for the first time “pharmacotherapy and metabolic and bariatric surgery”, in addition to the motivational interview and the intensive lifestyle treatment, taking into account “the health status of the child, the family system, the community context and resources”.

Likewise, the association has assessed the risk posed by the marketing of unhealthy food, especially in low socioeconomic levels and food insecurity at home, as well as the role played by structural racism.

“There is no evidence that ‘watchful waiting’ or a delay in treatment is appropriate for children with obesity”, confirmed in the statement one of the authors of the recommendations and vice president of the Subcommittee of Clinical Practice Guidelines on Obesity, Sandra Hassink.

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the pandemic has affected cases of childhood obesity among minors and young people ages 2 to 19, as the rate of weight gain has narrowed saw folded in 2020.

The recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatricians do not address the prevention of this disease, since it will be dealt with in another future statement, which emphasizes the role of long-term strategies and routine medical control.

Source: EFE