Childhood obesity: an update.

Childhood obesity is an increasing health problem in the United States, and it is positively correlated with eventual adult obesity. Childhood obesity is related to many of the same risk factors as adult obesity, most notably cardiovascular and psychosocial factors. Prevention or detection and management of the problem in childhood is warranted. This article describes assessment of obesity, predictors for its development, and components of treatment programs that are successful in children. Information is based on review of the literature and the author's experience working with obese children in a pediatric practice.