Childhood obesity--assessment, prevention and treatment

As in other parts of the western world, the rates of pediatric overweight and obesity are also rising in Israel. This fact warrants immediate action by several government offices and health care providers, and also by the trinity of physician, parent(s) and child. An overweight child is likely to remain undiagnosed if relying on observation alone, unless height and weight are objectively measured by the caring medical staff. This review is based on recommendations on the assessment, prevention, and treatment of children and youth who are overweight and obese, recently published on behalf of the American Medical Association and additional health organizations. In general, preventing and treating pediatric obesity is fairly similar: adhering to a healthy lifestyle which emphasizes healthy food choices and habits, regular physical activity, and limiting screen time. Treating and preventing obesity is a timely, but extremely difficult task. Medical personnel and parents should be continuously educated in this field, while supplied with practical tools for childhood lifestyle modification.