Obesity In Childhood And Adolescence

Obesity in childhood and adolescence has reached epidemic proportions in all industrialized countries around the world. Its impact on individual lives as well as on health economics has to be recognized by physicians and the public alike. Among the most common consequences of obesity in the adolescent are hypertension, dyslipidemia, back pain and psychosocial problems. Therapeutic strategies include psychological and family therapy, lifestyle/behavior modification and nutrition education. The role of regular exercise and exercise programs is emphasized. Surgical procedures and drugs used in adult obesity are still not generally recommended for obese adolescents. This book aims to increase physicians knowledge and understanding of obesity in childhood and adolescence as well as to further public awareness of the health burden and economic dimension of obesity at a young age. Several chapters deliver insights into the basic understanding of which factors contribute to or prevent the development of overweight and obesity in young people. Other contributions provide tools for the clinician to manage the care of the child and adolescent with overweight/obesity. In addition, knowledge from the latest scientific studies on the molecular biology of obesity is also presented.

Despite adults’ best preventive efforts, childhood obesity is on the rise in most areas of the world, and with it the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and other formerly adult-onset conditions. Epidemiology of Obesity in Children and Adolescents takes the global ecological approach that is needed to understand the scope of the problem and its multiple causes and mechanisms, and to aid in developing more effective prevention and intervention programs. In the book’s first half, experts present a descriptive summary of youth obesity trends in ten world regions, broken down by age group, gender, socioeconomic status, and risk factors. Complementing these findings, part two reviews the evidence base regarding the variables, separately and in combination, having the most significant impact on young people’s development of obesity, including: • Genetic and nutrigenomic factors. • Environmental and psychosocial factors, such as family shopping and eating habits and access to healthful foods. • Neuroendocrine regulation. • Prenatal and neonatal factors (e.g., gestational diabetes of the mother). • Dietary factors, from nutrient content to young people’s food preferences. • Physical activity versus sedentary behavior. Epidemiology of Obesity in Children and Adolescents is necessary reading for the range of professionals involved in curtailing this epidemic, including public health specialists, epidemiologists, pediatricians, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists, health educators, and policymakers.

This open access book examines health trajectories and health transitions at different stages of the life course, including childhood, adulthood and later life. It provides findings that assess the role of biological and social transitions on health status over time. The essays examine a wide range of health issues, including the consequences of military service on body mass index, childhood obesity and cardiovascular health, socio-economic inequalities in preventive health care use, depression and anxiety during the child rearing period, health trajectories and transitions in people with cystic fibrosis and oral health over the life course. The book addresses theoretical, empirical and methodological issues as well as examines different national contexts, which help to identify factors of vulnerability and potential resources that support resilience available for specific groups and/or populations. Health reflects the ability of individuals to adapt to their social environment. This book analyzes health as a dynamic experience. It examines how different aspects of individual health unfold over time as a result of aging but also in relation to changing socioeconomic conditions. It also offers readers potential insights into public policies that affect the health status of a population.

Now, in one comprehensive, easy-to-access volume, this essential handbook lays bare the scope of the growing problem of childhood and adolescent obesity. It goes further, too, examining the impact of the epidemic in terms of its psychological burden, its health consequences, and the available prevention and treatment options. Editors Jelalian and Steele have ensured that the chapters utilize the most up-to-date empirical and clinical knowledge available. This volume provides readers not only raw data, but also a framework for translating findings into effective, efficient practice – assessment, treatment, and prevention. It will be required reading for a host of professionals, from psychologists to social workers and medical practitioners.

Pt. 1. Social and behavioral development :; Risk factors for obesity in early human development /; John Worobey --; Role of physical activity in obesity prevention /; James M. Pivarnik --; Childhood overweight and academic achievement /; Sara Gable, Jnnifer L. Krull, Arathi Srikanta --; Adiposiy and internalizing problems: infancy to middle childhood /; Robert H. Bradley, Renate Houts, Phillip R. Nader, Marion O'Brien, Jay Belsky, and Robert Crosnoe --; Food marketing goes online: A content analysis of web sites for children /; Elizabeth S. Moore --; Families and obesity: a family process approach to obesity in adolescents /; Matthew P. Thorpe, Randal D. Day ;; Pt. 2. Individual differeces and ethnic variation :; Responding to the epidemic of American Indian and Alaska Native childhood obesity /; Paul Spicer, Kelly Moore --; Obesity in African Americans and Latino Americans /; Helen D. Pratt, Manmohan Kamboj, Robin Joseph ;; Pt. 3. Prevention and intervention :; Managing the overweight child /; Ihuoma Eneli, Karah Daniels Mantinan --; Parents as the primary target for healthy eating among young children /; Mildred A. Horodynski, Kami J. Silk, Michelle Henry --; Surgical treatment for obesity /; Jeff M. Gauvin --; Ethical considerations related to obesity intervention /; Leonard M. Fleck, Karen A. Petersmarck.

This brand-new professional publication provides in-depth and comprehensive coverage of issues surrounding obesity, such as genetics, and environmental, cultural and socioeconomic conditions. The various methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of this epidemic are covered using case studies, growth charts and various assessment tools. Strategies for family involvement and listings of current resources such as school, government and community-based programs help to make this a desirable resource to a wide spectrum of health-care professionals.

This book addresses the ever-increasing problem of obesity in children and adolescents, the long-term health and social problems that arise from this, and approaches to prevention and management. It covers all aspects of obesity from epidemiology and prevention to recent developments in biochemistry and genetics, and to the varied approaches to management which are influenced by social and clinical need. A foreword by William Dietz and a forward looking "future perspectives" conclusion by Philip James embrace an international team of authors, all with first hand experience of the issues posed by obesity in the young.

Despite the fact that the prevalence of obesity in early childhood has been stable and is no longer increasing in many developed and industrialized countries, the incidence of both obesity and full-blown metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents is still very high. Obesity is a major disease burden in all societies and needs to be prevented early in life. New approaches are eagerly sought and absolutely necessary. This book presents a comprehensive and state-of-the-art summary of current and new knowledge in this critical field. Crucial issues such as nutrition and genetics are described in detail. In addition, new ideas such as e-health and the consequences of urban living conditions are explored. Last but not least, modern treatment concepts and prevention even at an early age are competently discussed. Offering a valuable update on new developments in obesity research and the treatment in children and adolescents, this book is essential reading for all pediatricians and health-care professionals who look after young patients on a regular basis.