[Treatment of obese children and adolescents--necessity and options]

The alarming increase in obesity in children and adolescents has prompted physicians, dietary scientists, psychologists and PT instructors to concern themselves with the therapeutic possibilities available, and to implement them. An interdisciplinary approach, the scope and time frame of which is orientated to the degree of obesity has proved promising. By educating parents, multimodal programs support attempts to change family eating and exercise habits in the direction of a healthier lifestyle. The interlinking of various institutions ranging from general practitioners to rehabilitation centers on the basis of a common documentation structure with the aim of offering evidence-based treatment over the long term would be desirable.