Creating Healthy Futures:

Action Steps for Preventing Childhood Obesity

Key Speakers

Overview

Childhood obesity affects approximately one in six youth in the United States, with 17% of children ages 10-17 having obesity in 2021-2022. The prevalence among children aged 2-19 was 19.7%, affecting about 14.7 million children and adolescents. Hispanic children (26.2%) and non-Hispanic Black children (24.8%) show higher rates of obesity.

Recent developments in weight loss medications have expanded treatment options for adolescents with obesity. The FDA has approved several medications including Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) for ages 12 and up, with Orlistat and Qsymia also available for adolescent use. Clinical trials have shown significant success rates, with semaglutide reducing BMI by 16.1% in adolescents, and 73% of participants achieving at least a 5% reduction. Liraglutide demonstrated a 5.8% decrease in BMI for children ages 6-11, compared to a 1.6% increase in the placebo group. The usage of these medications among youth aged 12-25 has increased by 600% in the last three years.

The economic impact of childhood obesity is substantial, with affected children incurring healthcare costs three times higher than children at healthy weights, estimated at $14 billion annually. However, accessibility to new treatments remains a significant challenge. A month's supply of Wegovy costs approximately $1,500, and many insurance plans do not cover these medications.

Healthcare professionals maintain cautious optimism about these treatments while expressing concerns about their long-term effects on growing bodies, potential weight regain after discontinuation, and the continued need for lifestyle modifications. Limited data on diverse populations further complicates the picture. Medical experts emphasize these medications should only be prescribed under careful physician supervision, particularly for children with severe obesity and related health complications.

Our upcoming webinar will explore these critical issues, examining both traditional and emerging treatment approaches, including the role of new weight loss medications. Expert speakers will discuss evidence-based interventions, address healthcare disparities in treatment access, and provide practical strategies for healthcare providers working with young patients and their families. Participants will gain insights into current best practices and future directions in childhood obesity prevention and treatment.

Program

Who Should Attend?