Obesity in children. Part 2: Prevention and management

Summary points Few obesity prevention interventions have been shown to be effective in children Comprehensive strategies that tackle diet and physical activity as well as providing psychosocial support and environmental change may help prevent obesity Community based interventions aimed at changing activity levels, dietary knowledge, and eating behaviour may be useful but need evaluation for effectiveness and cost effectiveness Specialist treatment may include treatment with sibutramine or orlistat in children over 12, although long term studies are needed Surgery is recommended only in adolescents with extreme obesity, in limited circumstances, but the benefits need to be balanced against the possible side effects