Obesity: Doctors should use “clinical judgment” to intervene if concerned about a child, NICE says
Doctors should use their clinical judgment and “intervene as part of the duty of care” if they feel obesity or weight related problems are posing a “significant threat” to a child or young person, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has said.1 New overweight and obesity management guidance has replaced seven previous guidelines. The document advises healthcare professionals to “avoid attributing all symptoms to overweight or obesity,” to “ensure discussions are sensitive and non-judgmental,” and to ask patients for permission before discussing their weight. With children and young people, NICE said clinicians should “tailor conversations” based on their “age, maturity, and level of understanding” so that they can “be involved with the decisions about their healthcare.” Children should also be referred to “emotional health and wellbeing support and services” if they are concerned about their “obesity or weight or weight related comorbidities.” The guidance commi