Obesity: Stigma, Trends, and Interventions | Pediatric Collection

Obesity is one of the defining health challenges of our generation. Studies project that, if current trends continue, more than 50% of the US population will have obesity within the next 20 years. Alarmingly, severe obesity appears to be increasing in prevalence faster than overweight or “routine” obesity. Illness associated with obesity, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, steatohepatitis, and sleep apnea, is experiencing a commensurate increase in prevalence and severity. The obesity health crisis threatens to overwhelm our health care system, shorten life expectancy for the first time in recorded history, and reduce quality of life for millions. The most successful and cost-effective approaches to this epidemic involve the prevention and treatment of pediatric obesity. Additionally, obesity is affected by a myriad of factors, including individual genetics, personal behaviors, family habits, school and community programs, state and federal policy, and environmental factors.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the AAP Section on Obesity approach obesity by suggesting policies to prevent and treat obesity. Additionally, they provide support to pediatric obesity specialists, pediatricians who serve as practice and community leaders in the fight against pediatric obesity, and general pediatricians who encounter patients with overweight, obesity, and severe obesity.

The AAP Section on Obesity is grateful to the AAP for compiling this collection on obesity topics that cover policies and principles that seek to reduce obesity and its impact on our nation’s health.  Obesity is one of the most complicated disease processes pediatricians deal with. It is a disease that is brought about by a myriad of causes and a disease that affects nearly every organ system in the body. This collection will give you easy access to topics that help you manage this challenging disease.

Christopher F. Bolling, MD, FAAP, Chairperson
AAP Section on Obesity

A print version of this collection is available for purchase at shopAAP.

Stigma

‘Words Can Heal or Do Harm’: Policy Addresses Ways to Reduce Weight Stigma
AAP News Original Publication November 20, 2017

Stigma Experienced by Children and Adolescents With Obesity
Policy Statement Original Publication December 1, 2017

The Role of Children’s Movies Weighs Heavily in the Tackling and Fumbling of Obesogenic Issues
Journals Blog Original Publication November 23, 2017

Obesogenic Behavior and Weight-Based Stigma in Popular Children’s Movies, 2012 to 2015
Article Original Publication December 1, 2017

Trends/Characteristics

Study: Public Health Efforts Fail to Make Dent in Childhood Obesity
AAP News Original Publication February 26, 2018

Weighing in on Obesity Trends in US Children: The News Is Not Good
Journals Blog Original Publication February 28, 2018

Epidemic Childhood Obesity: Not Yet the End of the Beginning
Commentary Original Publication February 1, 2018

Prevalence of Obesity and Severe Obesity in US Children, 1999–2016
Article Original Publication March 1, 2018

Young Children With Severe Obesity: Who Are They and What Might We Do Differently to Help Them
Journals Blog Original Publication March 1, 2018

Characteristics of Children 2 to 5 Years of Age With Severe Obesity
Article Original Publication March 1, 2018

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Early Childhood Obesity
Article Original Publication January 1, 2018

Prevention/Intervention

The Role of the Pediatrician in Primary Prevention of Obesity
Clinical Report Original Publication July 1, 2015

How to Prevent Obesity Without Encouraging Eating Disorders
AAP News Original Publication August 22, 2016

Preventing Obesity and Eating Disorders in Adolescents
Clinical Report Original Publication August 1, 2016

An Integrated Clinic-Community Partnership for Child Obesity Treatment: A Randomized Pilot Trial
Article Original Publication January 1, 2018

A Home Visiting Parenting Program and Child Obesity: A Randomized Trial
Article Original Publication February 1, 2018

A Tailored Family-Based Obesity Intervention: A Randomized Trial
Article Original Publication August 1, 2015

Cost-Effectiveness of a Clinical Childhood Obesity Intervention
Article Original Publication November 1, 2017