Evaluating Obesity: The "Why" Behind the American Academy of Pediatrics' Obesity Treatment Clinical Practice Guideline

Abstract

The 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics' "Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity (Obesity CPG)" is a comprehensive document that addresses the evaluation and treatment of pediatric obesity. Much attention has been focused on the use of medications and surgery to treat severe obesity, but the document also thoroughly reviews the evaluation of obesity and its comorbidities through key action statements and consensus recommendations. The majority of these evaluation guidelines are well within the scope of the general pediatrician and an understanding of and implementation of them can lead to improved obesity care in the primary care setting. The goal of this article is to guide the reader in the evaluation of obesity and its comorbidities in the primary care setting through a chronic disease model lens as a basis for all future care. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(10):e378-e385.].