Pediatric Obesity Algorithm®

Understanding Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a serious public health threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity affects approximately 1 in 5 US infants, children, and adolescents ages 2 to 19. Childhood obesity treatment requires an understanding of the patient’s family and cultural background as well as medical and psychological expertise.

About the Pediatric Obesity Algorithm®

The Pediatric Obesity Algorithm® provides health care professionals with an algorithm that guides the treatment of children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. The algorithm is based upon scientific evidence, supported by medical literature, and derived from the clinical experiences of practicing pediatric clinicians who treat obesity in infants, children, and adolescents. The algorithm combines scientific evidence, medical literature, and clinical experience into one document to educate clinicians and help them implement evidence-based practices. Clinicians can use the Pediatric Obesity Algorithm® as a resource when making treatment recommendations or when referring their patients to childhood obesity specialists. Topics include:

• The Disease of Obesity
• Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Epigenetics
• Shared Decision-Making
• Obesity-Focused Assessment
• Social Consequences Affecting Children with Obesity
• Differential Diagnosis & Review of Systems
• Physical Exam
• Diagnostic Work-up
• Genetics
• Special Populations
• The Young Child with Obesity
• Treatment of Pediatric Obesity
• Co-morbidities
• Behavioral Health
• Telemedicine
• Further Sleep & Obesity Resources

Referencing the Pediatric Obesity Algorithm®

The Pediatric Obesity Algorithm® is subject to a copyright of the Obesity Medicine Association. To reference the use of the Pediatric Obesity Algorithm for educational purposes, please use the full reference:

E-book Citation: Cuda S, O’Hara V, Browne NT, Censani M, Conroy R, Kharofa R, Browne A, Paisley J,Damian A, Karjoo S, Chaves E, Frederiksen K, Pennings N. Pediatric ObesityAlgorithm, presented by the Obesity Medicine Association. https://obesitymedicine.org/resources/obesity-algorithm/pediatric-obesityalgorithm/(Accessed= insert date)

Print Version Citation: Cuda S, O’Hara V, Browne NT, Censani M, Conroy R, Kharofa R, Browne A, Paisley J,Damian A, Karjoo S, Chaves E, Frederiksen K, Pennings N. . Pediatric Obesity Algorithm, presented by the Obesity Medicine Association. 2026.