Childhood Obesity

PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
Evaluation of Obesity and its Casual Factors During Growth
Main Problems in the Treatment of Childhood Obesity
The Role of Lifestyle and the Mass Media in the Development and Prevention of Childhood Obesity
The Position of an Obese Child
Long-Term Consequences of Childhood Obesity
GEOGRAPHICAL, HISTORICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS
Changes in Obesity Prevalence and Accompanying Variables in Children Over Recent Decades in Various Countries
Problems of Obesity in Third World Countries
MAIN FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY IN VARIOUS PERIODS OF GROWTH
Attitudes Toward Obesity in Different Periods of Life
The Role of Nutrition in Early Periods of Life
The Role of Physical Activity
Familial Clustering of Obesity and the Effect of Genetic Factors
The Effect of Social Status
The Role of Sudden Changes in Lifestyle
Recommended Dietary Allowances During Growth
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OBESE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT
Basic Morphological Characteristics, Criteria and Methods
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Composition and and Depot Fat
Fat Distribution
Striae in Obese Children
Growth, Skeletal Age and Bone Development
Lean Body Mass in Obese Children
Muscke Fiber Types and Obesity
ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Components of Energy Expenditure
Resting Metabolic Rate
Thermic Effect of Food
Total Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity
Physical Activity and Energy Expenditure as Related to Fatness
Social Class, Fatness and Physical Activity
Conclusions
EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONAL STATUS
Cardiorespiratory Function
Lung Function Measurements
Blood Pressure, Cardiac Function and Obesity
Hematological Functions
Physical Performance and Motor Abilities
The Effect of Obesity on Physical Performance at Different Ages
FOOD INTAKE
Methods
Development of Food Behavior in Early Life
Food Intake and Obesity
The Effect of the Composition of the Diet and Eating Behavior
Eating Behavior and Food Preferences
Thermic Effect of Food and Obesity
The Role of Food Consumption Patterns in the Development of Obesity
Utilization and Oxidation of Macro-components
Food Intake and Socioeconomic Status
BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Serum Lipids and Body Adiposity
Uricemia and Obesity
Protein Metabolism
Mineral Metabolism
Total Anti-oxidant Capacity and Lipid Soluble Anti-oxidant Vitamins
HORMONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Insulin-like Growth Factor
Growth Hormone
Insulin
Steroid Hormones and Sexual Maturation
Beta-endorphins, Somatostain
Leptin
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Dyslipoproteinemia and Cardiovascular Risks
Blood Pressure
Insulin Resistance, Diabetes Mellitus
Multi-metabolic Syndrome (MMS)
Hepatic Problems
Respiratory Problems
Hormonal Alterations
Orthopedic Problems
Dental Caries
Immune Function
Experimental Model Studies
Developmental and Nutritional Characteristics of Long-living Populations
TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Assessment of the Obese Child
The Effect of Diet
Exercise Management
The Results of Combined Treatment by Diet and Exercise
Drug Therapy
Surgical Interventions
Intragastric Balloon Therapy
Alternative Approaches to Treatment and Management
PRACTICAL PROGRAMS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT DURING THE GROWING YEARS
Arrangement of Weight Management Programs for Obese Children
Principles of Weight Reduction Diets for Obese Children
How to Define General Principles of Physical Activity and Exercise for the Obese Child
Exercise Program
Dance, Gymnastics and Other Motor Skill Activities
Sports and Recreational Skills
Lifestyle Habits
General Guidelines for Exercise Participation
Motivation
Self-monitoring
Home-based Programs
School Programs
Recommendations for Leisure Time Activities
The Role of the Pedagogue and Physical Educator
Suggestions for a Balance Between Physical Activity and Exercise
Selected Exercises for Individual Parts of the Body
How to Encourage Obese Children to Adhere to Regular Exercise
Supportive Role of the Family
Characteristics of Children Most Likely to Succeed and Benefit from an Exercise Intervention
SUMMARY
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES