Childhood obesity: determinants, prevention, and treatment.
The prevalence of child and adolescent obesity has increased dramatically in the last 20 years and has led to a rise in cardiovascular-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, in children and youth. The American Heart Association (AHA) issued a scientific statement with available evidence and guidance for health professionals involved in the prevention and management of childhood obesity. The scientific statement was ranked as 1 of the Top 10 Research Advances of 2005 by the AHA. This article builds on the scientific statement, presents multilevel determinants, and emphasizes individual and population-based approaches to prevention. Treatment of child and youth obesity, along with the implications for nurses and other health professionals, is also included.
Budd
Geraldine M
GM
Center for Health Disparities Research, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA. gmb36@drexel.edu
Hayman
Laura L
LL
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology