From the Guidelines
Canadian childhood obesity resources should prioritize increasing physical activity levels in children and youth through school-based programs, as recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society 1.
Key Recommendations
- Increasing physical activity levels in children and youth is crucial in preventing and treating childhood obesity, as evident from the synthesis of evidence with 'best practice' recommendations 1.
- School-based physical education programs that emphasize knowledge, attitudes, and motor and behavioral skills required to adopt and maintain lifelong habits of physical activity are effective in increasing physical activity levels and fitness 1.
- Behavior modification strategies, such as reducing sedentary behaviors and promoting healthy eating, should be added to physical activities to enhance outcomes 1.
- The Canadian Paediatric Society and other organizations, such as the Childhood Obesity Foundation and HealthLink BC's Dietitian Services, offer comprehensive guidelines, educational materials, and evidence-based resources to support healthcare providers and families in addressing childhood obesity 1.
Available Resources
- The Canadian Paediatric Society's website provides guidelines and educational materials for healthcare providers and families.
- The Childhood Obesity Foundation offers evidence-based resources, including the free "Living Green, Healthy and Thrifty" family program.
- HealthLink BC's Dietitian Services offers free nutritional counseling via phone at 8-1-1.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada funds community-based initiatives like the LEAP program (Literacy, Education, Activity and Play) that promotes physical activity and healthy eating.
- Provincial health authorities offer specialized pediatric weight management clinics in major cities, providing multidisciplinary care including medical assessment, nutritional counseling, physical activity planning, and psychological support.
From the Research
Canadian Childhood Obesity Resources
- The treatment of childhood and adolescent obesity is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach, including lifestyle modifications, behavioral interventions, and medical treatment 2.
- In Canada, the prevalence of childhood obesity is a significant concern, with increasing rates of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents 3, 4.
- The Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of childhood and adolescent obesity recommend a stepped-care approach, including intensive dietary, physical activity, and cognitive-behavioral counseling 2.
- Lifestyle modifications, such as a moderately reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, are considered first-line therapy for patients with overweight or obesity, including children and adolescents 5.
- Behavioral interventions, such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior therapy, can also be effective in promoting healthy lifestyle habits and weight loss in children and adolescents 5.
Current Research and Forecasting
- Recent studies have forecasted that the prevalence of childhood obesity will continue to increase globally, with significant increases expected in southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania 3.
- In Canada, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents is expected to stabilize, but the increase in the absolute proportion of the population with obesity is forecasted to be greater than between 1990 and 2021 3.
- The use of child care services has been associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity in Canadian children, particularly among boys and girls from low-income households 4.
Management Options
- Current treatment guidelines for childhood obesity focus on lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and increased physical activity, with pharmacotherapy and surgery reserved for patients who are refractory to such treatment 6.
- Newer therapies, such as pharmacological novel therapies, are being trialed and may become available for the treatment of childhood obesity in the future 6.
- A comprehensive approach to the treatment of childhood obesity, including lifestyle modifications, behavioral interventions, and medical treatment, is necessary to address this complex issue 2, 6, 5.