Approximately 17% of children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years in the United States have obesity and almost 32% are considered overweight or obese.
In children and adolescents, this can lead to morbidity such as mental health and psychological issues, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, orthopedic problems, and adverse cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes (e.g., high blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels, and insulin resistance). They may also experience teasing and bullying behaviors based on their weight. If not appropriately addressed, obesity in children and adolescence may continue into adulthood and lead to adverse cardiovascular outcomes or other obesity-related morbidity, such as type 2 diabetes.
Well child visits help to assess physical, emotional, and social development, as well as identify any critical screening and counseling needs. It is important you detect child obesity early so that you may help the child reach a healthier weight to negate the risks listed above. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that children and adolescents are screened for obesity at 6 years of age and older. If they are considered obese, you should refer them to comprehensive, intensive behavioral interventions to promote improvements in weight status.
To help guide your patients, offer the following services for members aged 2-18 years with a BMI in the 85th percentile or greater:
To refer a child to a Clinical Care and Wellness Case Management program, please read the Case Management Referral Feature Now Available in NaviNet® eBulletin published on December 2, 2019.
To help guide you and your patients in navigating childhood obesity, Highmark has published a Childhood Obesity Tool Kit that can be found on the Provider Resource Center.