There has been a rapid increase in the number of overweight and
obese children in the UK. The short and long-term consequences are
likely to have enormous implications for the future health of these
children.
‘Overweight’ and ‘obesity’ can be defined using appropriate BMI centile charts.
Once identified, the practitioner, child and family should decide on how to proceed.
The aims of the treatment should focus on resolving any
co-morbidities, reversing the trend of weight gain and, when
appropriate, weight loss.
Self-monitoring of both eating and physical activity habits is a key therapeutic tool.
More research is required to identify the best treatment strategies
for infants, young children and adolescents, however, family-based
interventions appear to offer the greatest chances of long-term success.
A system of support is vital if long-term maintenance is to be achieved.
The prevention of children becoming overweight and obese remains a priority.