March 1, 2024
3 minute read
Important points:
- The AAP report explains how parents and pediatricians can help children lead healthier, more active lives.
- The report focuses on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, screen use, and social-emotional health.
A new AAP report urges pediatricians to focus on quality nutrition, physical activity and adequate sleep, among other things, to combat obesity in their patients.
The new report, co-authored by the AAP Obesity Section and the AAP Nutrition Committee, was revised last year to suggest that doctors offer weight-loss medications to adolescents as young as 12 years old and assess metabolic and obesity in teenagers. This supplements the guidance on Surgery.
“The report expanded its focus by considering five key areas: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, screen use, and social-emotional health.” Natalie D. Muth, MD, MPH, RDN, said Helio, a primary care pediatrician, registered dietitian, and founder and director of the WELL Clinic at Children's Primary Care Medical Group in San Diego. “[These] It is important not only to prevent obesity, but also to optimize physical and mental health and help children grow. ”
The AAP proposed a model of care that takes into account the environment in which children live and how to make it healthier, as well as the interpersonal and personal factors that influence a child's health.
“When it comes to obesity prevention, paying attention to growth curves over time and sensitively intervening early if a child is above the percentile, even if they still have a 'normal' BMI, will This can be very helpful in recognizing concerns early in such cases. Small changes can make a big difference,” Muth said. “It's important to have these conversations in a sensitive way, free from bias, blame and assumptions. This report provides clinicians with the tools to do this, as well as tailored guidance for development in each of the five areas. To do.”
Muth said the report also said parents should aim for an “authoritative” approach to parenting, where they provide structure and an environment that supports healthy habits, and where children are given responsibility and choice within that structure. advises.
“There is sufficient evidence that this parenting style supports improved physical and mental health in infants, children and adolescents, and the report provides a developmentally tailored way to do this.” Moose he said.
The authors also suggested that pediatricians understand the many social factors that underlie family life and provide guidance in a nonjudgmental manner.
“Research can tell us a lot about how to improve children's health.” Christopher Bowling, MD, FAAP; Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine said in a press release. “We know that families can greatly benefit from eating together three times a week. There's also evidence that physical activity improves mental health and well-being. Once you've identified your needs, You can brainstorm practical ways to benefit not only the child but the entire family.”
Muth also said the guidance includes more than just individual lifestyle changes, as families need support from communities, policy makers and pediatricians in assessing social determinants of health. He told Mr. Helio that he would be able to do so.
“More robust research is still needed to guide specific tools and interventions for obesity prevention,” Muth says. “We would like to see further research into the health effects of ultra-processed foods provide solid evidence that policy interventions are needed to reduce consumption of these foods, especially for children and adolescents. .”
Muth said more research is needed into how screen use and social media affect the health of children and adolescents.
“Perhaps this could facilitate policy interventions to protect the mental health and social-emotional health of children and adolescents,” Muth said.
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