Main description:

Now, in one comprehensive, easy-to-access volume, this essential handbook lays bare the scope of the growing problem of childhood and adolescent obesity. It goes further, too, examining the impact of the epidemic in terms of its psychological burden, its health consequences, and the available prevention and treatment options. Editors Jelalian and Steele have ensured that the chapters utilize the most up-to-date empirical and clinical knowledge available. This volume provides readers not only raw data, but also a framework for translating findings into effective, efficient practice - assessment, treatment, and prevention. It will be required reading for a host of professionals, from psychologists to social workers and medical practitioners.

Contents:

Section I: Prevalence, Correlates, and Consequences.- Pediatric Obesity in Context: Trends and Epidemiology.- Health Consequences of Obesity in Children and Adolescents.- Psychosocial Factors Related to Obesity in Children and Adolescents.- Binge Eating in Overweight Children and Adolescents.- Section II: Assessment of Pediatric Obesity and Contributing Conditions.- The Definition and Assessment of Childhood Overweight: A Developmental Perspective.- Assessment of Dietary Practices and Eating Attitudes and Behaviors.- Development of Eating Patterns.- Section III: Risk Factors for Obesity in Children and Youth.- Physiological Mechanisms Impacting Weight Regulation.- Socioeconomic Factors Related to Overweight in Children and Adolescents.- The 'Obesignenic' Environment.- Application of Genetic Epidemiology to Understanding Pediatric Obesity.- Section IV: Interventions.- Developmental Considerations in Intervention with Children and Adolescents with Obesity.- Empirically Supported Treatment of Overweight Children.- Empirically Supported Treatment of Overweight Adolescents.- Intensive Therapies for Treatment of Pediatric Obesity.- Residential Treatment Programs for Pediatric Obesity.- Model Treatment Programs.- Cultural Considerations in the Development of Pediatric Weight Management Interventions.- Section V: Prevention of Pediatric Obesity.- Prevention Programs: Preschool Children.- Prevention Programs: School Age Children and Adolescents.- Community-level prevention programs for children and adolescents.- Section VI: Future Directions.- The role of public policy in management of the pediatric obesity epidemic.- Technological Innovations in the Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity.- Application of Motivational Interview Techniques to Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity.- Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity and Comorbid Psychiatric Conditions.- Application of Empirically Supported Treatments to Practice Settings.- Directions for Future Research in Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Intervention.