ARS | Publication request: Managing childhood obesity

Submitted to: Taylor and Francis Group
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2012
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Citation: Johnston, C.A., Moreno, J.P. 2012. Managing childhood obesity. In: Rippe, J.M., Angelopoulos, T.J., editors. Obesity: Prevention and Treatment. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group. p. 139-154.

Technical Abstract: The prevalence of childhood obesity has steadily increased over the last decades, with approximately 35% of children aged 6-19 classified as overweight or obese. Recently, a plateau in the increasing rates of obesity has been observed. Despite this leveling off, overweight and obese children are heavier than they have ever been, putting them at increased risk for consequences associated with obesity. If left unabated, obesity will become the most common cause of preventable death in adults. Given the implications of childhood obesity, there is a pressing need for health professionals to possess a clear understanding of this epidemic. This chapter presents information on the definitions, assessment, consequences, and treatment of childhood obesity.