Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Obesity
Managing obesity in childhood and adolescence
Abstract
Obesity in childhood and adolescence is increasingly prevalent and is associated with significant psychological and medical morbidity. Effective management includes having a family focused approach, setting small, achievable goals for behaviour change, targeting sedentary behaviour, helping families and young people to make healthier food choices, and providing ongoing support.
Key Points
- In managing obesity in childhood and adolescence, focus on behaviour change and not a ‘diet’.
- Small, achievable goals should be set for behaviour change.
- Parent-only sessions should be used when dealing with an obese preadolescent child.
- Adolescent patients and their parents should have the opportunity to be counselled separately at some stage.
- Sedentary behaviour, such as time spent watching the television or videos or at the computer, should be targeted.
- Low fat healthier food choices will be important for long term weight management.
- Families and young people will need ongoing support to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
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