The obese child: observations in the gymnasium of the Adelaide Children's Hospital

This study reviews 107 obese children who were referred to the gymnasium of the Adelaide Children's Hospital. The majority had multiple handicaps. The treatment involved physical activities in small groups associated with counselling of parents (both individually and in groups) by social workers, dietitians, and doctors. A significant number of children were helped by the programme, showing not only a reduction in weight but also improvement in behaviour and attitude. Some children exhibited a hypoactive form of minimal cerebral dysfunction, which is postulated as a new risk factor in the development of childhood obesity. The importance of prevention is emphasized.