Treatment
11
Obesity Lifestyle: General Considerations
Î ES recommends that clinicians prescribe and support intensive,
age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, family-centered lifestyle
modifications (dietary, physical activity, behavioral) to promote a
decrease in BMI. (1|⊕⊕⊕
)
Î ES recommends that clinicians prescribe and support healthy eating
habits in accordance with the following guidelines of the American
Academy of Pediatrics and the US Department of Agriculture: (U)
• decreased consumption of fast foods
• decreased consumption of added table sugar and elimination of sugar-sweetened
beverages
• decreased consumption of high-fructose corn syrup and improved labeling of
foods containing high-fructose corn syrup
• decreased consumption of high-fat, high-sodium, or processed foods
• consumption of whole fruit rather than fruit juices
• portion control education
• reduced saturated dietary fat intake for children and adolescents >2 years of age
• US Department of Agriculture recommended intake of dietary fiber, fruits, and
vegetables
• timely, regular meals, and avoiding constant "grazing" during the day, especially
after school and after supper
• recognizing eating cues in the child's or adolescent's environment, such as
boredom, stress, loneliness, or screen time
• encouraging single portion packaging and improved food labeling for easier use by
consumers.
Î ES recommends that clinicians prescribe and support the reduction of
inactivity and also a minimum of 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous
physical activity daily, with a goal of 60 minutes, all in the context of a
calorie-controlled diet. (1|⊕⊕
)
Î ES suggests that clinicians encourage and support patients to limit
nonacademic screen time to 1–2 hours per day and decrease other
sedentary behaviors, such as digital activities. (2|⊕
)
Î ES suggests that the health care team identify maladaptive rearing
patterns related to diet and activity and educate families about healthy
food and exercise habits. (2|⊕
)
Î ES suggests that the health care team probe for and diagnose
unhealthy intra-family communication patterns and support rearing
patterns that seek to enhance the child's or adolescent's self esteem.
(2|⊕
)
