The Future Directions and Clinical Management of Childhood Obesity

This chapter aims to evaluate current approaches to the management of childhood obesity, while at the same time attempting to predict future directions in this field. It is divided into sections called "Knowledge Gaps" to highlight areas of research which deserve particular attention: etiology, screening and non-modifiable risk factors, lessons from medical models of obesity, and interventions. The chapter makes suggestions regarding future possible directions for clinical care and research in childhood obesity. A review of available data suggests that the current epidemic of childhood obesity has occurred too rapidly and too widely to be caused by genetic drift alone. Rather it is likely related to modifiable risk factors, providing the potential to reverse the present trend. It is widely accepted that obesity is complex and multifactorial with significant short-term morbidity and long-term morbidity and mortality. It is unlikely that a single approach to the investigation and management will be applicable to all overweight individuals. Therefore, in order to impact on this condition, a multifaceted approach, encompassing research from bench to bedside to backyard is essential. Furthermore, everyone with a vested interest in mitigating the impact of childhood obesity needs to play an active role, including governmental and nongovernmental agencies; international, national, and local policy makers; and school and physical education teachers.