USPSTF Recommends Behavioral Interventions for Children with High BMI

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends intensive behavioral interventions for children and adolescents aged 6 and older with a high body mass index (BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex), aiming to address the 19.7% of youths in the U.S. falling into this category, with higher prevalence among certain demographic groups. The recommendations focus on behavioral interventions like counseling, goal setting, and supervised physical activity, emphasizing the efficacy of such programs in weight management. While weight-loss medications were considered, further research on their long-term effects is needed. The USPSTF's latest guidelines provide updated strategies for clinicians to assist children with high BMIs, aligning with previous recommendations from 2017 but emphasizing more comprehensive interventions beyond just screening.