Definitions | The following definitions for obesity should be used: |
| BMI >95th centile on national charts (98th centile on UK charts) for clinical purposes, BMI >85th centile for overweight |
| IOTF cut offs for epidemiological purposes and international comparison |
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Preventive strategies | Action is required antenatally, in schools, community facilities, marketing, government, and regulatory agencies |
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Screening | Population screening is required to identify children with BMI >85th centile |
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Assessment | Laboratory assessment of children with BMI >95th centile should include: |
| Thyroid and liver function tests, fasting glucose, insulin, and lipid profile |
| Periodic oral glucose tolerance tests from age 10 for those at increased risk of the metabolic syndrome |
| Screening for other comorbidities, e.g. hypertension, sleep apnoea, orthopaedic problems, etc |
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Treatment | Children with BMI >85th centile should receive regular lifestyle counselling |
| Children with BMI >95th centile require specialist paediatric care |
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Service development | Children with comorbidity or severe obesity should receive their care in a multidisciplinary specialist service |