PERIODIC HEALTH EXAMINATION, 1994 UPDATE .1. OBESITY IN CHILDHOOD

Objective: To update the 1979 Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Heal th Examination recommendation on screening for childhood obesity by re viewing any new evidence concerning health risks in childhood and adul thood, and effective preventive or therapeutic interventions. Options: Detection: routine measurement of height and weight, use of skinfold thickness measurements, calculation of body mass index (BMI). Interven tion: diet, exercise, behaviour modification and comprehensive family- based weight-reduction programs. Components of these interventions cou ld be offered routinely or reserved for children and families who perc eive obesity to be a present or potential problem.