The USPSTF concluded that low-intensity interventions, which could be applied in the primary care outpatient setting, were not found to have a significant effect on BMI in the obese pediatric patient. More studies and subsequent recommendations on the role of the primary care physician in the treatment of the overweight and/or obese pediatric patient are needed.
Bottom Line
Recommendations are clear that primary care physicians at routine checkups should screen all pediatric patients 6 years and older for obesity using BMI. Once identified, obese pediatric patients should then offered referral to a moderate- to high-intensity weight-management program.
Reference
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for obesity in children and adolescents. Pediatrics 2010;125:361-7.
Dr. Skolnik is an associate director of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Abington (Pa.) Memorial Hospital. Dr. Mady is an attending physician with the Geisinger Health System in Orwigsburg, Pa.