Despite the fact that the prevalence of obesity in early childhood has been stable and is no longer increasing in many developed and industrialized countries, the incidence of both obesity and full-blown metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents is still very high. Obesity is a major disease burden in all societies and needs to be prevented early in life. New approaches are eagerly sought and absolutely necessary.

This book presents a comprehensive and state-of-the-art summary of current and new knowledge in this critical field. Crucial issues such as nutrition and genetics are described in detail. In addition, new ideas such as e-health and the consequences of urban living conditions are explored. Last but not least, modern treatment concepts and prevention even at an early age are competently discussed.

Offering a valuable update on new developments in obesity research and the treatment in children and adolescents, this book is essential reading for all pediatricians and health-care professionals who look after young patients on a regular basis.

Table of Contents:
Preface Kiess, W. (Leipzig); Wabitsch, M. (Ulm); Maffeis, C. (Verona); Sharma, A.M. (Edmonton, Alta.) Definitions and Clinical Aspects Definitions [Wabitsch, M. (Ulm); Korner, A. (Leipzig)] Hypothalamic Obesity in Children [Bereket, A. (Istanbul); Kiess, W. (Leipzig); Lustig, R.H. (San Francisco, Calif.); Muller, H.L. (Oldenburg); Goldstone, A.P. (London); Weiss, R. (Jerusalem); Yavuz, Y. (Istanbul); Hochberg, Z. (Haifa)] Causes Genetics of Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence [Bottcher, Y.; Kovacs, P. (Leipzig)] Nutrition [Kalhoff. H. (Dortmund); Kersting, M. (Bonn)] Sedentary Lifestyle [Raupp, A. ; Jouret, B.; Tauber, M. (Toulouse)] Socio-Economic Aspects [Plachta-Danielzik, S.; Muller, M.J. (Kiel)] Consequences Carbohydrate Metabolism [Wabitsch, M.; Denzer, C. (Ulm)] Orthopaedic Aspects of Obesity in Children and Adults [Thielemann, F.; Guenther, K.-P. ; Stiehler, M. (Dresden)] Urogenital Complications: Renal Disease, Urolithiasis and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms [Morandi, A.; Maffeis, C. (Verona)] Influences of Childhood Obesity on Pubertal Development [Wagner, I.V. (Leipzig); Sabin, M. (Parkville, Vic.); Kiess, W. (Leipzig)] Societal Aspects and Prevention Urban Living Conditions: The Relation between Neighborhood Characteristics and Obesity in Children and Adolescents [Igel, U.; Grande, G. (Leipzig)] Metabolic Syndrome and the ‘Western Diet’: Science and Politics [Lustig, R.H. (San Francisco, Calif.)] An Economic Perspective on Childhood Obesity [Teuner, C.M.; John, J.; Wolfenstetter, S.B.; Holle, R. (Munich)] Prevention of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity and its Barriers [Markert, J. (Leipzig) ] E-Health in Overweight and Obesity Prevention Herget, S. (Leipzig) Obesity Management Obesity Treatment Programmes [Reinehr, T. (Datteln)] Adolescent Bariatric Surgery: Current Status in an Evolving Field [Luca, P. (Calgary, Alb.); Dettmer, E.; Langer, J.C.; Hamilton, J.K. (Toronto, Ont.)] Beyond Weight Loss: Experiences and Insights Related to Working Effectively with Families and Operating within the Health Care System to Manage Pediatric Obesity [Ball, G.D.C.; Avis, J.L.S. (Edmonton, Alta.); Buchholz, A. (Ottawa, Ont.); Bridger, T. (St. John’s, Nfld.); Chanoine, J.-P. (Vancouver, B.C.); Hadjiyannakis, S. (Ottawa, Ont.); Hamilton, J.K. (Toronto, Ont.); Legault, L. (Montreal, Que.); Morrison, K.M. (Hamilton, Ont.); Wareham, A. (St. John’s, Nfld.); Jetha, M.M. (Edmonton, Alta.)] Author Index Subject Index