There has been a rapid increase in the number of overweight and obese children in the UK. The short and long-term consequences are likely to have enormous implications for the future health of these children.
‘Overweight’ and ‘obesity’ can be defined using appropriate BMI centile charts.
Once identified, the practitioner, child and family should decide on how to proceed.
The aims of the treatment should focus on resolving any co-morbidities, reversing the trend of weight gain and, when appropriate, weight loss.
Self-monitoring of both eating and physical activity habits is a key therapeutic tool.
More research is required to identify the best treatment strategies for infants, young children and adolescents, however, family-based interventions appear to offer the greatest chances of long-term success.
A system of support is vital if long-term maintenance is to be achieved.
The prevention of children becoming overweight and obese remains a priority.
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