For debate: childhood obesity - is there hope for therapy and prevention?

The diagnosis and treatment of co-morbidities of obesity that were once the province of clinicians who treated adult patients, are now among the daily activities of pediatricians. The approach to therapy usually involves changes in diet and activity, or medical or surgical therapies. However, limited proven effect of most efforts at treatment and limited personnel to handle the overwhelming needs make it clear that overweight and obesity in youth must be addressed by significant public health measures rather than primarily by a medical model of disease. This editorial argues that given the limited proven long-term efficacy of most treatment programs once obesity develops, the prevention of obesity should be at the forefront of our efforts to address this epidemic of chronic disease.