Name three common comorbidity screenings recommended at initial obesity evaluation.

• A. Fasting glucose/HbA1c, lipid panel, and blood pressure.
• B. CBC, thyroid panel, urinalysis
• C. Liver biopsy, MRI, PET scan
• D. Vitamin D, iron, folate

Answer: (A)

Focusing on the health issues most closely tied to excess body fat in kids, the initial obesity evaluation typically screens for dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. A fasting glucose or HbA1c checks for impaired glucose regulation or diabetes risk, which are more common with obesity due to insulin resistance. A lipid panel looks for abnormal cholesterol and triglycerides that increase long-term cardiovascular risk. Measuring blood pressure identifies hypertension, which can occur even in children with obesity and is a key early sign of cardiovascular strain.

Other tests like CBC, a thyroid panel, or urinalysis aren’t routine for obesity-specific risk at the first visit unless there are symptoms or a clinical reason to suspect a different problem. Imaging or invasive tests such as liver biopsy or MRI/PET scans aren’t used for initial screening due to lack of routine indication and unnecessary risk or cost. Vitamin D, iron, or folate testing isn’t a standard trio for initial screening in obesity unless a deficiency or another risk factor is suspected.