US Pediatrician Practices and Attitudes Concerning Childhood Obesity: 2006 and 2017

Objective To compare primary care pediatricians' practices and attitudes regarding obesity assessment, prevention, and treatment in children 2 years and older in 2006 and 2017. Study design National, random samples of American Academy of Pediatrics members were surveyed in 2006, 2010, and 2017 on practices and attitudes regarding overweight and obesity (analytic n = 655, 592, and 558, respectively). Using logistic regression models (controlling for pediatrician and practice characteristics), we examined survey year with predicted values (PVs), including body mass index (BMI) assessment across 2006, 2010, and 2017 and practices and attitudes in 2006 and 2017. Results Pediatrician respondents in 2017 were significantly more likely than in 2006 and 2010 to report calculating and plotting BMI at every well-child visit, with 96% of 2017 pediatricians reporting they do this. Compared with 2006, in 2017 pediatricians were more likely to discuss family behaviors related to screen time, sugar-sweetened beverages, and eating meals together, P P Conclusions Results from cross-sectional surveys in 2006 and 2017 suggest nationwide, practicing pediatricians have increased discussions with families on several behaviors and their awareness and practices around obesity care.