Effectiveness of Weight Management Interventions in Children
"The research on weight-management interventions for obese children and adolescents has improved in terms of quality and quantity in the past several years. Current research suggests that behavioral interventions are probably safe in children aged 4 to 18 years and can be effective, particularly moderate- to high-intensity comprehensive programs. Combined behavioral-pharmacologic interventions may be useful for obese adolescents, particularly if research confirms that weight loss can be maintained after pharmacologic treatment ends.

The research we reviewed is generally consistent with a recently proposed model of a stepped-care approach to weight-management treatments that increases intensity (and treatment-associated risk) according to degree of excess weight, age/maturation, health risks, and motivation.4,6 This stepped-care model, has been recommended by the Expert Committee (which was convened by the American Medical Association and co-funded in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]). Approaches range from simple preventive messages aimed at younger children and those who are not overweight, to weight-management interventions that increase in intensity as the child becomes more obese or has more weight-related health problems."