Trends in pediatric obesity management, a survey from the Pediatric Endocrine Society Obesity Committee.

Abstract

Background In the United States, 18.5% of children are obese. Dietary and lifestyle modifications are key, but often ineffective. There are limited approved pediatric pharmacotherapies. The objective of this study was to evaluate current treatment practices for pediatric obesity among members of the Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES, n = 1300) and the Pediatric Obesity Weight Evaluation Registry (POWER, n = 42) consortium. Methods A 10-question online survey on treatment of children with obesity in clinical practice was conducted. Results The response rates were 19% for PES and 20% for POWER members. The majority were female (65%) and board certified in pediatric endocrinology (81%). Most practitioners saw 5-10 patients with obesity/week and 19% prescribed weight-loss medications. POWER participants were more likely to prescribe weight-loss medications than PES participants (46% vs. 18%, p = 0.02). Metformin was the most commonly prescribed medication. Response to medication was poor. Use of dietary non-pharmacological treatment options was uncommon. Over half of the respondents (56%) referred patients for bariatric surgery and 53% had local access to pediatric bariatric surgery. Conclusions Metformin was the most common drug prescribed among respondents, but successful weight-loss responses were uncommon. Among practitioners who are using pharmacological interventions, therapeutic strategies vary widely. Targeted research in pharmacologic and surgical treatment for pediatric obesity is urgently needed.