title: Treatment of childhood obesity in pediatric practice.
abstract: Evaluation of obese children and adolescents in the pediatric office or clinic should include baseline assessment of weight for height, and body fatness; should rule out endocrine and genetic causes of obesity; and should evaluate other cardiovascular risk factors. Treatment of obesity is most successful if realistic goals are set; if a safe rate of weight loss of one to two pounds per week can be achieved through a reduction of caloric intake that amounts to 500 calories less per day; if increased physical activity is stressed as much as diet; if parental support is strong; and if behavior therapy is provided during the course of treatment to help both child and parent achieve the diet, exercise, and behavior goals.
authors.affiliation: Child Health Center, American Health Foundation, Valhalla, New York 10595.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bollella
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Carter
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*