For children, at what age does the USPSTF recommend screening for obesity?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that obesity screening for children begins at age 6 and continues through adolescence. This recommendation is based on evidence that early identification of obesity can lead to interventions that may help to improve health outcomes, as childhood obesity is associated with a variety of physical and mental health issues. By the age of 6, children are typically able to engage in discussions about their health, making this an appropriate age for initiation of screening, allowing for timely management and intervention strategies to be implemented to address obesity effectively.

In contrast, the other ages suggested for screening do not align with USPSTF guidelines. Screening at ages younger than 6—such as 4—could miss opportunities for early intervention, while screening at ages 8 or 10 would delay necessary early actions that could help combat obesity as children enter their formative years in terms of health. Thus, the age of 6 is optimal for initiating screening based on current research and guidelines in pediatric health.