title: Health hazards of obesity and weight control in children: a review of the literature.
abstract: A review of the literature on the health hazards of obesity and weight control in children indicates: 1) methodological flaws tend to invalidate the assumption that obesity is a risk factor for this age group; 2) weight control by children and adolescents may cause a variety of health problems including retardation of growth, development, mental functioning, and reproductive capacity; and 3) preoccupation with weight control in this society makes it likely that weight control-related-health problems are common phenomena. Further research into the short and long-term consequences of obesity and weight control is necessary before enlightened clinical practice in this area is possible.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000523:psychology; D012306:Risk