Behavioral Treatment of Childhood Obesity

Obesity is a common problem in children and is associated with an increased risk of adult obesity. Twenty-four studies on the behavioral treatment of childhood obesity are reviewed. Studies involving comparisons of behavioral treatment with no treatment or placebos have shown the superiority of behavioral treatment. In addition, the effects of a number of treatment factors on outcome are suggested. These factors include parental involvement, the arrangement of treatment contingencies, and exercise. Several directions for future research are presented, including selecting which children to treat, individualizing treatment, prevention, community programs, and the side effects of weight control.