New AAP guidance on obesity highlights year full of nutrition news
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As the pediatric obesity crisis continues, its effects on children continue to be examined and investigated.
We compiled a list of some of the most important developments in pediatric nutrition and obesity from the past year.
AAP guidance: Consider medication, surgery for children with obesity
In January, the AAP released its first clinical guidance on obesity in 15 years, suggesting that physicians offer adolescents as young as age 12 years weight loss medication and evaluate teens for metabolic and bariatric surgery. Read more.
AAP’s obesity guidance sparks increased ‘online debate’ among physicians
A 15-month analysis of conversations regarding pediatric obesity among health care professionals online showed that the new clinical guidance from the AAP spurred significant debate. Read more.
Healthy food legislation linked to reduced BMI in children
The implementation of legislation that encourages healthy eating habits was associated with reduced BMI scores among youth in the United States, according to study findings published in JAMA Pediatrics. Read more.
Q&A: How pediatricians can screen for food insecurity
We spoke with Leila H. DeWitt, DO, MA, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and pediatric hospitalist at Brenner Children’s, about food insecurity and how pediatricians can screen for it. Read more.
MIND diet could improve child cognitive function
The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, an eating plan for adults that emphasizes certain foods with neuroprotective benefits, may also be beneficial for children, a study presented at Nutrition 2023 found. Read more.
Q&A: AAP recommends against low-carbohydrate diets for children with diabetes
The AAP recommended against low- and very low-carbohydrate diets for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, “except under close diabetes care team supervision utilizing safety guidelines.” We spoke with Tamara S. Hannon, MD, FAAP, director of the clinical pediatric diabetes program at Indiana University’s Riley Hospital for Children, about carbohydrate-restrictive diets. Read more.
Q&A: Is pediatric obesity a public health emergency?
We spoke with Eric M. Bomberg, MD, MAS, associate director for research informatics at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine, about the changing pediatric obesity landscape, what public health strategies are lacking, and what providers can do to help combat obesity. Read more.
Babies in rural areas often fed high-salt and sugary foods, at odds with guidelines
A large proportion of rural children were fed high-sugar and high-salt foods within the first 2 years of life, according to a study presented at NUTRITION. Read more.