New Obesity Guidance for Pediatrics: Medicalizing Obesity or Acquiescing to Our Obesogenic Culture?

Abstract

The publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics report on a “Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity” has been met with considerable debate about the merits of taking a more aggressive treatment approach. Supporters of the new guidance argue that the time has come to treat childhood obesity with more intensive behavior therapy along with, as needed, weight loss medications and bariatric surgery. Detractors of the report believe that medicalizing this condition will lead to greater stigma and increase health disparities. Critics of the new guidance favor a “healthy at every size” approach. This editorial examines the reasoning behind these arguments. Given obesity is a complex issue that demands both clinical and societal solutions, this commentary advocates for multi-disciplinary cooperation and understanding in order to achieve an effective balance between prevention and treatment.