pediatrics
Obesity in Adolescents
Treatment of Obesity in Adolescents
Behavior and lifestyle interventions For adolescents 12 years old and older with a BMI ≥ the 95th percentile, weight-loss medications For adolescents 13 years old and older with a BMI ≥ 120% of the 95th percentile, evaluation for metabolic and bariatric surgery (See also the American Academy of Pediatrics’ [AAP]Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Obesity[2023].) All children and adolescents with obesity should be given intensive health and lifestyle change strategies that address nutrition, physical activity, and health behavior. Adolescents 12 years old and older with obesity (BMI ≥ the 95th percentile for age and sex) may be given medications for weight loss (see the AAP’s guidelines onUse of Pharmacotherapy[2023]). Adolescents 13 years old and older with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 120% of the 95th percentile for age and sex) may be referred for evaluation for metabolic and bariatric surgery (see the AAP’s guidelines onPediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery[2023]). 