20.2.10

Screening for Obesity in Children and Adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

Screening for Obesity in Children and Adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
US Preventive Services Task Force.
Pediatrics published online Jan 18, 2010;DOI: 10.1542/peds.2009-2037


DESCRIPTION: Update of the 2005 US Preventive Services Task Force
(USPSTF) statement about screening for overweight in children and
adolescents.
METHODS: The USPSTF examined the evidence for the effectiveness of
interventions that are primary care feasible or referable. It also examined
the evidence for the magnitude of potential harms of treatment in
children and adolescents.
RECOMMENDATION. The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen
children aged 6 years and older for obesity and offer them or refer
them to intensive counseling and behavioral interventions to promote
improvements in weight status (grade B recommendation).