Practical Guide for Management of Children with Obesity

The worldwide prevalence of pediatric obesity has increased remarkably over the past three decades turning pediatric obesity into a serious and challenging public health concern. One in three children and adolescents in the US are overweight or obese. Pediatric obesity is associated with numerous comorbidities, cardiovascular risk factors, and adulthood obesity. Obesity has been a major contributor to increasing healthcare expenses. Increasing awareness of pediatric obesity in the public as well as the healthcare platform is essential to tackle the problem and plan primary and secondary prevention. Given the limited pharmacotherapy options for pediatric obesity, a multifaceted approach of lifestyle changes involving nutrition, physical activity and behavior modification is needed. In order to make a meaningful impact, collaboration among the government, employers, schools, healthcare and other organizations from the community is required. This chapter intends to provide a comprehensive yet concise review of evaluation and management of pediatric obesity.

Keywords: Adolescent, Cardiovascular risk, Child, Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Lifestyle modification, Obesity, Overweight, Pediatric, Prevention, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Weight management.