Childhood obesity has tripled over the past 30 years, and the most recent CDC data shows 19.7% of children and adolescents, and 12.7% of 2-5 year olds have obesity. Early and rapid weight gain tracks into later childhood, adolescence, and adulthood and leads to worse health outcomes. Rates are higher in low-income children. Achieving long-lasting treatment results for childhood obesity with lifestyle modification is difficult once BMI crosses the 95th percentile. Obesity is increasingly recognized as a chronic disease with increased occurrence of serious health consequences, including but not limited to, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, joint problems, anxiety, and depression. Therefore the focus is shifting to obesity prevention with healthy eating and active living in pregnancy, infancy, and childhood to alter adiposity and weight gain trajectories. Children with risk factors need earlier and aggressive preventive measures.
 

Main Guideline  Algorithm
 

Handout for Patient Families

References

These guidelines are intended solely for the use of healthcare professionals who are licensed to practice medicine. This material is not intended to replace professional medical judgment, prescribing information or consultation with a medical professional. Any health care provider using this material acknowledges full responsibility for the medical care and treatment of patients. All health care providers are solely responsible for confirming the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, appropriateness and helpfulness of this material and making all medical, diagnostic or prescription decisions.

For questions about the guidelines, CLASP [at] Connecticutchildrens.org (email the CLASP team).