title: Pediatric obesity: etiology and treatment.
abstract: This article reviews factors that contribute to excessive weight gain in children and outlines current knowledge regarding approaches for treating pediatric obesity. Most of the known genetic causes of obesity primarily increase energy intake. Genes regulating the leptin signaling pathway are particularly important for human energy homeostasis. Obesity is a chronic disorder that requires long-term strategies for management. The foundation for all treatments for pediatric obesity remains restriction of energy intake with lifestyle modification. There are few long-term studies of pharmacotherapeutic interventions for pediatric obesity. Bariatric surgical approaches are the most efficacious treatment but, because of their potential risks, are reserved for those with the most significant complications of obesity.
authors.affiliation: Unit on Growth and Obesity, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 9000 Rockville Pike, Hatfield Clinical Research Center, Room 1-3330, MSC 1103, Bethesda, MD 20892-1103, USA.
authors.forename: Melissa K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Crocker
authors.forename: Jack A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Yanovski
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*