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The Obesity Medicine Association Blog is the leading industry hub for obesity medicine. Find the latest research, expert insights, and practical tips to tackle the multifaceted disease of obesity. Hear from OMA Outreach Committee members, OMA Board members, and more to gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors influencing obesity and explore innovative approaches to prevention, treatment, and long-term management. Join a community of healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals passionate about combating obesity.
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Pediatric Research Update: Change in Weight Status from Childhood to Young Adulthood and Risk of Adult Coronary Heart Disease
Article Summary This long-term population study examines how changes in weight from childhood to young adulthood relate to adult coronary heart disease risk, highlighting adolescence as a critical period. The BMI Epidemiology Study (BEST) in Gothenburg, Sweden examined whether changes in weight status from childhood through young adulthood influence adult CHD risk. Childhood and Young Adulthood Overweight, Including Obesity, and the Risk of CHD: Both childhood overweight and young adult overweight/obesity were associated with higher adult CHD risk, though no significant differences were seen between sexes. Changes in Weight Status Between Childhood and Young Adulthood and the Risk of CHD: Individuals who were overweight in childhood but normalized by young adulthood had CHD risk like those who were never overweight, indicating reversibility of risk. In contrast, pubertal onset overweight (normal childhood weight but overweight in young adulthood) and persistent overweight (overweight in both periods) were linked to higher CHD risk, with pubertal onset overweight carrying the highest risk, particularly in men. BMI Percentile Changes Between Childhood and Young Adulthood and the Risk of CHD: Using BMI percentiles, high childhood BMI that normalized by young adulthood did not increase CHD risk, while high young adult BMI, regardless of childhood BMI, was linked to higher CHD risk. While excess adiposity in childhood is associated with later obesity, it does not appear to irreversibly program CHD risk if weight normalizes by young adulthood. Change in Weight Status From Childhood to Young Adulthood and Risk of Adult Coronary Heart Disease.
Pediatric Research Update: Shifts in US Pediatric Obesity Treatment After the AAP Guidelines
A recent study by Rodriguez et al. (2025) reviewed differences in pediatric obesity treatment before and after the release of the 2023 AAP Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity.
Pediatric Research Update: Consensus Statement on Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in Children and Adolescents
Pediatric MASLD is rapidly rising alongside childhood obesity. This expert consensus outlines current evidence on epidemiology, diagnosis, and management, highlighting screening strategies and emerging therapies to guide early identification and care.
Pediatric Research Update: Sleep Screening: Implementing an Electronic Health Record-Integrated Pediatric Primary Care Sleep Screener
A new study by Williamson et al. (2025) showed that adding a short sleep screening tool directly into the EHR helped primary care providers identify more sleep disorders and led to more PSG orders and specialty referrals. This is a simple, practical approach that could also be very useful in Obesity Medicine, where sleep screening is still often missed but could make a big impact
Pediatric Research Update: Efficacy and Safety of GLP1RAs in Children and Adolescents With Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes
A meta-analysis and systematic review of 18 trials including those published in the last 2 years to review primary efficacy outcomes, exploratory efficacy outcomes and safety outcomes. GLP-1 RAs significantly improve outcomes for children and adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes or obesity.
Pediatric Research Update: Ethics of Lifestyle Counsel Alone in a GLP-1 Era
The article warns against relying on lifestyle changes alone when safe, effective GLP-1s exist for pediatric obesity. It urges fair care that blends medical therapy with healthy habits, especially for children facing barriers to lifestyle change.
The Health Crisis Of Digital And AI Natives: Childhood Obesity In Gen Alpha And Gen Beta
Childhood obesity rates are climbing worldwide, raising significant public health concerns in an increasingly technology-driven and sedentary world. This trend increases the risk of both short- and long-term health problems, including other serious chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and life-threatening conditions.
Pediatric Research Update: Integrating Advocacy with Patient-Centered Care: How a Shared Decision-Making and Team-Based Approach can Improve Perioperative Period GLP-1RA Treatment Integrity
This article reviews new perioperative guidance on GLP-1RA therapy, emphasizing a team-based approach to reduce surgical risks while supporting continuity of treatment for adolescents with obesity.
Neuromusculoskeletal Health in Pediatric Obesity: Incorporating Evidence into Clinical Examination
This article highlights how obesity in childhood can impair strength, balance, gait, and joint health, emphasizing the importance of routine neuromusculoskeletal screening to support early intervention and improve physical function.