In this segment from Lurie Children’s Hospital, Dr. Justin Ryder breaks down the evolving science and treatment paradigm of pediatric obesity—highlighting why it must be approached as a chronic, biologically driven disease rather than a lifestyle issue.

Key Highlights:

Obesity Is a Disease: Pediatric obesity is multifactorial, shaped by genetics, epigenetics, hormones, environment, stress, and socioeconomic factors. The newest AAP guidelines formally recognize obesity as a disease and recommend active treatment—not watchful waiting.

Shift in Clinical Practice: Treatment should be offered to children above the 85th percentile BMI. The model has shifted from prevention-only efforts to a proactive, continuum-based care strategy.

Continuum of Care: Management  ...