Management for children and adolescents with overweight and obesity: a recommendations mapping

Background

Childhood obesity is a global public health issue, and the status of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) as instruction manuals for the management of childhood obesity remains unclear. This study aims to identify and apprise the methodological and reporting quality of CPGs focused on childhood obesity and provide an overview of key recommendations.

Methods

Databases and websites reporting guidelines were searched from January, 2018 to September, 2023. The methodological quality was graded using the AGREE II, and RIGHT was used to assess the reporting completeness.

Results

Among the six included CPGs, two were rated as high quality and considered “Recommended” and three were reported no less than 80%. CPGs included 184 recommendations cover diagnosis, assessment and management of complications, interventions and prevention. The diagnostic criteria for children with obesity over 2 years of age are based on normative BMI percentiles, depending on sex and age. CPGs recommended the delivery of multi-component behavior-changed interventions included controlling diet and increasing physical activity. Pharmacological interventions and bariatric surgery are considered as complementary therapies.

Conclusion

CPGs for childhood obesity should emphasize the impact of psychological factors and consider the provision of interventions from multiple settings, and could consider the role of complementary alternative therapies.

Impact

Six guidelines have been published in the past 5 years focusing children obesity.

Recommendations covered diagnosis, multiple intervention and prevention.

Guidelines should focus on the role of complementary alternative therapies.

Guidelines should emphasize the impact of psychological factors.

Guidelines should consider the provision of interventions from multiple settings.