Pediatric obesity is a prevalent and rapidly increasing problem that poses a serious risk to the health and well-being of the nation's youths. As epidemiological studies have shed light on the severity of the problem, concern about children's weight problems has intensified, leading some to refer to pediatric obesity as a new “epidemic” (American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition, 2003). In this context, this chapter will provide an overview of the epidemiology of the epidemic as well as a discussion of emerging trends. We will also briefly introduce important topics such as the correlates and consequences of pediatric obesity, prevention, and intervention, all of which will be explored in greater detail throughout the volume.
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Steele, R.G., Nelson, T.D., Jelalian, E. (2008). Pediatric Obesity: Trends and Epidemiology. In: Jelalian, E., Steele, R.G. (eds) Handbook of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity. Issues in Clinical Child Psychology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-76924-0_1
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