Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Paediatrics

The management of obesity in childhood and adolescence

Susie Burrell, Shirley Alexander, Louise A Baur
Abstract
Obesity in children and adolescents can have a major impact on their lives. It affects their self-esteem and can lead to bullying and health problems such as premature heart disease. Diet, exercise and behavioural changes are the keys to managing the condition.
Key Points
  • Obesity is a chronic disorder of energy imbalance. Management should focus on both sides of the energy equation: energy in and energy out.
  • Body mass index (BMI) should be calculated and plotted on a BMI-for-age chart, with waist circumference also measured and recorded.
  • A developmentally sensitive approach should be used. With children, focus on parents as the agents of change; with adolescents, provide the opportunity for the adolescent and parents to attend sessions separately.
  • Long-term behavioural change is required, involving an increase in incidental physical activity, a reduction in sedentary behaviour (including television viewing and use of other forms of passive electronic entertainment) and a sustainable change to a lower energy intake.
  • In prepubertal children, weight maintenance or reduction in the rate of weight gain are appropriate goals of therapy: after puberty, weight loss is generally appropriate.
  • Vulnerable eating patterns include skipping breakfast; excessive consumption of soft drinks, cordials and fruit juices; large portion sizes and frequent snacking.
Get full access
Subscribe for full access to all articles
Buy this article

Single article purchases are temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance.

If you would like to purchase an article during this time, please email us at [email protected] with the article details and we'll assist you directly. We'll also let you know when online purchasing is available again.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Already a subscriber?