The worldwide prevalence of pediatric obesity has increased remarkably
over the past three decades turning pediatric obesity into a serious and challenging
public health concern. One in three children and adolescents in the US are overweight
or obese. Pediatric obesity is associated with numerous comorbidities, cardiovascular
risk factors, and adulthood obesity. Obesity has been a major contributor to increasing
healthcare expenses. Increasing awareness of pediatric obesity in the public as well as
the healthcare platform is essential to tackle the problem and plan primary and
secondary prevention. Given the limited pharmacotherapy options for pediatric obesity,
a multifaceted approach of lifestyle changes involving nutrition, physical activity and
behavior modification is needed. In order to make a meaningful impact, collaboration
among the government, employers, schools, healthcare and other organizations from
the community is required. This chapter intends to provide a comprehensive yet
concise review of evaluation and management of pediatric obesity.
Keywords: Adolescent, Cardiovascular risk, Child, Diabetes, Dyslipidemia,
Lifestyle modification, Obesity, Overweight, Pediatric, Prevention, Type 2
diabetes mellitus, Weight management.
