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Updated: May 27, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
05:10

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

Health consequences of obesity

Gerald S Berenson1,

  • 1The Tulane Center for Cardiovascular Health, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. berenson@tulane.edu

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|November 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Childhood cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, predict adult heart disease and early death. Early identification and intervention are crucial for preventing lifelong cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, surpassing other causes.
  • Cardiovascular risk factors are identifiable in childhood and predict adult cardiac risk.
  • Childhood obesity is a significant contributor to the global burden of heart disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significance of childhood cardiovascular risk factors.
  • To emphasize the link between childhood risk factors and adult cardiovascular outcomes.
  • To underscore the importance of early life perspectives in understanding cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Long-term epidemiologic studies in youth.
  • Analysis of childhood risk factors, including obesity.
  • Review of established literature and landmark studies like the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Main Results:

  • Childhood cardiovascular risk factors are established and identifiable.
  • These childhood factors predict adult cardiac risk and premature mortality.
  • Heart disease, driven by factors like childhood obesity, is a major global cause of death.

Conclusions:

  • Adult heart disease has its origins in childhood.
  • Early identification of cardiovascular risk factors in children is critical.
  • Addressing childhood obesity and other risk factors can mitigate future cardiovascular disease burden.

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