Childhood & Adolescent Obesity

Pediatric obesity affects nearly one in five US children and is now treated as a chronic disease in the 2023 AAP Clinical Practice Guideline, which endorses intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment from age 6, pharmacotherapy from age 12, and surgery evaluation from age 13. The track will review safety and efficacy of liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide in adolescents (STEP TEENS, SURMOUNT-ADOLESCENTS), the long-term Teen-LABS surgical cohort, family-based behavioral therapy, and the controversial debate over screening and stigma. Early-life origins — gestational, infant feeding, and adverse childhood experiences — will receive a dedicated session.