The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released a final recommendation statement urging health care professionals to provide or refer children and adolescents with a high body mass index to intensive, comprehensive behavioral interventions. The recommendation received a "B" grade, indicating the service is recommended with moderate certainty of a net benefit.
Prevalence and Importance
Nearly 20% of children and teens in the U.S. have a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex, which is classified as obesity according to CDC growth charts. The prevalence of high BMI is particularly significant among Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, and non-Hispanic Black children and adolescents, as well as those from lower-income families.
Intervention Details
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) advised that interventions should be comprehensive and intensive, involving at least 26 contact hours over a year. The interventions include education on healthy eating, counseling on behavioral change techniques, and supervised physical activity sessions.
Expert Opinions
"Almost one out of every five children and teens in the U.S. has a high BMI," stated Task Force member John M. Ruiz, Ph.D. "Fortunately, there are effective intensive behavioral interventions available that can help kids achieve a healthy weight and improve their quality of life."
Task Force Chair Wanda Nicholson, M.D., added the "interventions work best when both kids and parents are
engaged, so it is important that health care professionals provide support in identifying which counseling
interventions are available, accessible, and a good fit for the family."
Research Gaps
The Task Force identified a need for further research on the long-term health outcomes of weight loss medications, the overall impact of BMI changes on long-term health, and effective communication strategies between clinicians and families regarding weight loss.
Resources and Recommendations
The Task Force highlighted several resources for clinicians and families, including the Community Preventive Services Task Force and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The resources provide guidance on promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and overall health improvement for children and adolescents.
For more detailed information, health care professionals and the public are encouraged to review the full recommendation statement available on the USPSTF and JAMA websites.
The USPSTF is an independent, voluntary body supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Recommendations made by the USPSTF are independent of the U.S. government and should not be construed as an official position of AHRQ or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.