Reply

We appreciate the interest of Ichikawa et  al and Jabarkheel et al, and we agree that the prevention of childhood obesity begins early in life with the provision of anticipatory guidance relating to healthy behaviors and the assessment of weight status, using weight-for-length and body mass index (BMI), as indicated. Our analysis indicate s that a greater proportion of pediatricians reported using either of these measures in 2017 compared with in 2006. There is room for improvement and continued quality of care; providers can be encouraged to use these measures as an approach to identifying children with increases in weight indices w ho may benefit from additional efforts to support healthy growth and prevent obesity.

Source: The Journal of Pediatrics - September 25, 2019 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Brook Belay, Mary Pat Frintner, Janice L. Liebhart, Jeanne Lindros, Megan Harrison, Carrie A. Dooyema, Sandra G. Hassink, Stephen R. Cook Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research