Affiliation:
1. Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center The Miriam Hospital Providence Rhode Island USA
2. Alpert Medical School of Brown University Providence Rhode Island USA
3. Department of Psychological Sciences University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
4. Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Center Hasbro Children's Hospital Providence Rhode Island USA
5. Department of Psychiatry University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
Abstract
AbstractNational estimates suggest that more than 35% of American children, ages 2–19 years, are overweight or obese, which increases their risk for weight‐related comorbidities including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease risk factors, depression, and anxiety. While obesity prevention is most cost‐effective, for youth with existing obesity, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends ≥26 h of comprehensive lifestyle intervention over 6–12 months. This include standard behavioral therapy, dietary counseling, and an emphasis on physical activity. Although such programs are effective in reducing weight status, there are many barriers to completing these programs. A novel consideration for both the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity is the recognition that the timing of intervention, both duration and time of the year, can impact family engagement and intervention effectiveness. This paper discusses the potential of targeting high‐risk periods for weight gain and offering brief behavioral intervention, in hopes of inspiring research on novel approaches to the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
Funder
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Subject
Nutrition and Dietetics,Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism