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Article Summary Physical activity is a fundamental pillar of a healthy lifestyle and an essential part of effective weight management for children and adolescents, supporting healthy growth, physical and mental well-being, and prevention of excessive weight gain during critical developmental years. The article, "Consequences of Overweight and Obesity on the Musculoskeletal System in Children: A Review of Recent Literature," examines how excess body weight stresses developing bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, potentially leading to orthopedic and functional complications that can persist into adulthood. By synthesizing current evidence, the review offers valuable insight for clinical practice, targeted intervention, and future research aimed at improving long-term musculoskeletal health in children and adolescents. (2025), "Consequences of overweight and obesity on the musculoskeletal system in children: a review of recent literature," lays out why: adiposity places real, measurable strain on the growing skeleton, in ways that go well beyond simple wear and tear. Physical activity is one of the core pillars of comprehensive obesity care, and current guidelines recommend 60 minutes of daily activity for children and adolescents. Clinically, ask about joint pain, exercise intolerance, and gait changes as part of routine obesity visits, and incorporate a basic assessment of movement and mobility rather than waiting for a child to volunteer that something hurts. A thorough visit should assess mobility, functional status, and quality of life, and screen for psychosocial barriers to activity, with referrals to physical therapy, exercise physiology, or behavioral health as needed2 Consider adding standardized quality-of-life or functional-status measures to routine obesity visits, and expanding access to behavioral health support alongside physical activity resources. Routine visits should include balance, gait, and fall-history assessment, with physical therapy referral for children showing gait abnormalities or recurrent injury. Conclusion The musculoskeletal effects of pediatric obesity are complex and can affect mobility, physical activity, and quality of life. Treating the whole child means making musculoskeletal health part of routine obesity care. Consequences of overweight and obesity on the musculoskeletal system in children: a review of recent literature.

The Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) is honored to announce that they have been named one of the first Primary Educational Partners (PEPs) of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM).

Weight loss medications have undergone a sea change in the past several years. With the rise of incretin therapies, two names have emerged as leaders: tirzepatide and semaglutide. They share many similarities. The frequency with which we hear these two drug names bandied about, along with their brand names — Mounjaro/Zepbound and Ozempic/Wegovy, respectively — can lead to confusion.

Discover the most effective weight loss medications approved by the FDA. Comprehensive guide on safety, dosage, and efficacy for 2025.

Pediatric obesity is a global public health concern, with less than 15% of youth with obesity managing to lose their excess adiposity in adulthood. Health behavior and lifestyle treatment remains the recommended first-line approach, but newer anti-obesity medications offer an additional treatment option, positioned between behavioral management and higher efficacy surgical interventions. Long term effectiveness and safety data are still limited.

Learn how to mitigate muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies in patients using GLP-1s. Explore clinical strategies for nutrition preservation.

For Stephen Finney, MD, DABOM, FAAFP, the most powerful tool in obesity medicine isn't a medication or a treatment plan; it’s building long-lasting relationships with patients and watching them celebrate the moments they never thought were possible.

Despite loving her role, she always felt she could make a greater impact on her patients — then she discovered obesity medicine. Persondek became board-certified in obesity medicine. Today, she practices obesity medicine full-time at her own multidisciplinary clinic, where she and six physicians (along with psychologists, dietitians, physical therapists, health coaches, and fitness professionals) work together to help patients improve their health through comprehensive obesity care. Looking back, she says obesity medicine wasn't simply another specialty. Long before she began treating patients with obesity, she had her own journey with the disease. "But I continued to struggle with losing weight." When the opportunity to become board-certified in obesity medicine became available, she saw it as more than professional development. Today, her practice reflects every aspect of the four pillars of obesity treatment. Patients have access to physicians specializing in obesity medicine, behavioral health support, physical therapy, nutrition counseling, health coaching, group fitness classes, and even cooking demonstrations designed to help patients develop practical, sustainable skills. "It really needs to touch on all of the pillars of the [Obesity Medicine Association (OMA)] to capture the fullest scope of treatment," she said. Those moments remind her why she calls obesity medicine "positive medicine." Creating a Place to Belong When asked what accomplishments make her most proud, she doesn't mention awards or certifications; she talks about her clinic. Instead of simply receiving treatment, her patients find encouragement, education, and people who understand their experiences. By combining her own lived experience with evidence-based medicine and a comprehensive team approach, she has created a community where patients feel understood, supported, and empowered to reclaim their health.

For Nisha Kuruvadi, DO, DABLM, DABOM, moving to San Diego, California meant more than just returning to her hometown; it meant having the opportunity to provide care for the community that raised her.