USPSTF Recommends Intensive Counseling for Children with Obesity from Age 6

The draft recommendation, based on research, does not address the use of weight loss medications or surgery.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has issued a draft recommendation that children with obesity should receive intensive counseling to promote healthy diet and exercise habits starting at age 6.
The recommendation is based on research showing the effectiveness of intensive behavioral interventions, defined as at least 26 hours of counseling with one or more health professionals, for achieving a healthy weight and improving the quality of life for children and adolescents.
The new USPSTF advice does not address the use of medications such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, which is approved for children age 12 and above, or surgery.
The USPSTF assigned a 'grade B' to the evidence favoring the intensive interventions, meaning there is high certainty the interventions would have at least a moderate benefit. Children in the trials lost an average of 2 to 3 kilograms, with reductions maintained for at least one year.
Nearly one in five U.S. children and teens fall into the category of obesity, defined as having a body mass index – a ratio of weight to height – higher than 95% of youngsters of the same age and gender.