Childhood obesity

Obesity is a common childhood disease with well-recognized health consequences, both during childhood and adulthood, affecting health and psychological welfare. Clinicians working with obese children should have knowledge of the components of a healthy lifestyle and understand the importance of interacting with the child and family in a positive, empathetic and non-judgemental manner. Most parents will be unaware of the impact of obesity in childhood and adolescence and many parents may even be unaware that their own child is obese. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) body mass index (BMI) centile charts with the recommended cut-off points should be used to diagnose childhood obesity. Evidence-based clinical guidelines conclude that treatment programmes should be multi-component, targeting changes in diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour (screen time). The use of behavioural change strategies is consistently recommended in evidence-based guidance on management. Guidelines suggest that in the case of severe to extreme obesity in adolescents with co-morbidities, anti-obesity drugs and bariatric surgery may be considered as part of a treatment plan.