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Canada Updates Pediatric Obesity Guidelines for First Time in 20 Years

New recommendations include GLP-1 drugs and weight-loss surgery for teens, alongside a holistic care approach.

Published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the new guidelines, developed with the help of Obesity Canada, make 10 recommendations and nine good practice statements for managing obesity in children.
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Overview

  • The updated guidelines endorse GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy, for adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity.
  • Weight-loss surgery is now recommended for teens aged 13 and up under certain conditions, marking a significant shift in treatment options.
  • The guidelines emphasize a holistic, multicomponent approach to care, integrating nutrition, physical activity, and psychological support to improve quality of life.
  • Limited evidence exists for the use of GLP-1 drugs in adolescents, with only one cited study showing significant weight loss in teens aged 12 to 18.
  • Access to comprehensive obesity care remains a challenge in Canada due to limited specialized clinics, surgical centers, and high costs of medications.