25 Jun USPSTF: Intervention Recommendations for Children and Teens with High Body Mass Index
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Ruiz
John M. Ruiz, Ph.D
Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology
Department of Psychology
University of Arizona
Dr. Ruiz is the incoming editor-in-chief of the American Psychological Association (APA) journal, Health Psychology
Dr. Ruiz joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2022
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Almost 20 percent of children and teens in the United States have a high body mass index (BMI), the standard measure of obesity. However, there are proven ways that clinicians can help kids and teens manage their weight and stay healthy. We found that intensive behavioral interventions can help children age 6 and older who have a high BMI both achieve a healthy weight and improve their quality of life.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: Intensive behavioral interventions consisting of 26 or more hours with a health professional can be effective in helping kids and teens who have a high BMI. This support can include supervised physical activity, counseling on behavior change techniques, and education about healthy eating habits. We found that these interventions tended to get better results when both children and their parents were involved. Young children especially will need extra support from their families to follow these interventions. Clinicians should work with children and their families to make sure that the interventions are realistic for everyone.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?
Response: One of the biggest areas for future research is around medications for weight loss, where we need to know more about the long-term health outcomes, including any potential harms and information on how they impact kids’ quality of life. We also need more evidence on how changes in BMI impact overall health and whether changes in diet and physical activity can be helpful when they do not have a weight loss focus.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?
Response: We recognize that it can be difficult to find these types of counseling interventions for kids and teens in some communities and that they require a substantial commitment from families. Healthcare professionals should consider both local resources and individual family situations when determining which intervention might be best for the patient and have the biggest potential impact on improving their health. We hope that this recommendation can help raise awareness of the need to create greater access to evidence-based interventions for kids, teens, and their families.
Citation:
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Interventions for High Body Mass Index in Children and Adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. Published online June 18, 2024.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2820245 - US Preventive Services Task Force. Interventions for High Body Mass Index in Children and Adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. Published online June 18, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.11146
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2820244 - Jin J. Interventions for High BMI in Children and Teenagers. JAMA. Published online June 18, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.11756
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2820246
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Last Updated on June 25, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD