Obesity: prevention is the treatment.
Prevention of obesity at all ages is a matter of considerable concern for health professionals. A review of current theories of the etiology of obesity provides the basis for discussion of preventive measures at critical developmental stages throughout the life cycle. Good nutrition during pregnancy, breast feeding, and avoiding early introduction of solid foods are advocated to avoid obesity during infancy. For the young child, healthy eating habits and sufficient physical exercise are prescribed to prevent the accumulation of excess weight. Psychological and social difficulties make weight loss difficult for obese adolescents. The advantages and disadvantages of diet, anorectic drugs, exercise, and behavior modification are discussed. Adult-onset obesity is often easier to prevent and treat than is juvenile-onset obesity. Intervention is basically the same as that for adolescents. The role of health professionals is clear: encouragement of behavior consistent with sound nutrition and good health before excess weight is gained, early recognition of overweight individuals, and assistance in the choice of corrective measures.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*