Juvenile Obesity, Physical Activity, and Lifestyle Changes

Because many obese children and adolescents become obese adults, the recent rapid increase in juvenile obesity poses a major public health challenge. Obese children and youth are often more sedentary than their nonobese peers, but a low level of physical activity has not yet been proven as a cause of obesity. Nevertheless, enhanced physical activity is a cornerstone in a multidisciplinary approach to preventing and treating juvenile obesity. Giving exercise recommendations focused for obese youth is crucial. For example, patients may do best with aquatic exercise and in groups of obese peers. Cutting down on sedentary behaviors, like watching TV, can reap long-term benefits.