Juvenile obesity, physical activity, and lifestyle changes - Cornerstones for prevention and management

Because many obese children and adolescents become obese adults, the recent rapid increase in juvenile obesity poses a major public health challenge. Obese children and youth are often more sedentary than their nonobese peers , but a low level of physical activity has not yet been proven as a cause o f obesity. Nevertheless, enhanced physical activity is a cornerstone in a m ultidisciplinary approach to preventing and treating juvenile obesity. Givi ng exercise recommendations focused for obese youth is crucial. For example , patients may do best with aquatic exercise and in groups of obese peers, Cutting down on sedentary behaviors, like watching TV, can reap long-term b enefits.