Patient discussions

When discussing weight, person-first language is recommended (e.g., child with obesity rather than “obese child”) with avoidance of weight bias and stigma.[42]

Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone in treatment of obesity and should utilize motivational interviewing alongside other techniques.[3] [ Cochrane Clinical Answers logo ] ​​ The patient should be advised to limit sugar-containing beverages, energy-dense foods, and fast foods, and to decrease portion sizes.[3][59][93]​​[95][96][97]​​​​​​ Sugar-sweetened beverages and energy-dense foods should be removed from the home. Family meals should be encouraged and meals taken at regular times. Children should consume nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, beans, peas, lentils, eggs, seafood, unsalted nuts and seeds, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and lean meats (prepared without added sugar, salt, and saturated fats).[97]

Patients should exercise for at least 60 minutes per day and reduce screen time to less than 1 hour per day for ages 2 to 5 years old or a parent-monitored plan for media use in older children.[3]

Family involvement is critical for success in weight maintenance or weight loss.

As children are still growing in height, they should concentrate on weight maintenance rather than weight loss (unless they have marked obesity).

American Academy of Pediatrics: Institute for Healthy Childhood Weight Opens in new window

CDC: tips to help children maintain a healthy weight Opens in new window

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