Physical activity strategies for pediatric obesity

Despite increasing rates of pediatric obesity and severe obesity, physical activity (PA) remains a first-line approach to managing and reducing this disease. In this chapter, we will present the US guidelines for PA as well as a brief overview of the current state of PA among US children and adolescents. We will introduce the ecologic and Youth Physical Activity Timing, How, and Setting (Y-PATHS) framework as guides for identifying environmental determinants that support or hinder PA in youth. These frameworks are presented as guides for patient-provider discussions on how youth can initiate and maintain PA. In this chapter, we recommend three key strategies for increasing PA among youth: (1) motivational interviewing, (2) digital health strategies, and (3) multi-sector collaborations to promote and sustain engagement in PA. We specifically provide guidance on collaboration with the Physical Therapy sector as a strategy for addressing obesity in youth such as limited motor competence and abilities. This chapter serves as a guide for prescribing PA to patients and provides tools and resources that should be leveraged within the healthcare setting to use PA to manage and reduce pediatric obesity.