Volume 99, Issue s4

Childhood obesity is a major health issue in pediatric practice. The old idea that "a chubby baby is a healthy baby" is not necessarily the case. Social stigmas and recidivism surrounding obesity make addressing families and their children difficult; however, with early intervention, treatment can be successful. Prevention of obesity with health maintenance surveillance and family-focused behavior modification is the foundation for a healthy lifestyle and may prove the most effective way of avoiding long-term obesity-related morbidity.

The epidemic of obesity in the United States has major consequences for society. Healthcare proViders need to have an appreciation for obesity's complexity and related multiple comorbid medical problems. This article reviews the epidemiology, definitions, and assessment of obesity with emphasis on its clinical consequences. In addition, current techniques in evaluating and treating the obese patient are also described.

Obesity is a widely pervasive disease resulting in $45 million in healthcare costs. The contribution of genes in the etiology of obesity is quite convincing. It is becoming increasingly apparent also that diet can have an influential effect on gene expression. Dietary management remains the mainstay of treatment and can be tailored to meet the individual needs of patients.

Sedentary lifestyle is associated with obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. Increased physical activity can produce clinically significant changes in body composition and a reduction in risk of obesity-related chronic diseases in obese people. Because a great proportion of a primary care physician's patient population will be obese, it is essential that physicians know the scientific facts about the role of physical activity in the treatment of obesity and how to effectively prescribe it. This article summarizes significant research .conclusions about the relationship between physical activity, obesity, and health. It also provides practical strategies for helping obese patients integrate physical activity into their lives.