Pharmacologic treatment of pediatric obesity.

Question There is a large population of overweight and obese children in my clinic. What medications for treatment of obesity are effective and can be used in children? Answer Orlistat is the only medication indicated by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obesity in adolescents. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in adolescents aged 12 years and older. There is no single approach to successful treatment of obesity, and lifestyle modification should be maintained throughout the pharmacologic treatment.