Obesity is one of the defining health challenges of our generation. Studies project that, if current
trends continue, more than 50% of the US population will have obesity within the next 20 years.
Alarmingly, severe obesity appears to be increasing in prevalence faster than overweight or "routine"
obesity. Illness associated with obesity, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, steatohepatitis,
and sleep apnea, is experiencing a commensurate increase in prevalence and severity. The obesity
health crisis threatens to overwhelm our health care system, shorten life expectancy for the first time
in recorded history, and reduce quality of life for millions. The most successful and cost-effective
approaches to this epidemic involve the prevention and treatment of pediatric obesity. Additionally,
obesity is affected by a myriad of factors, including individual genetics, personal behaviors, family
habits, school and community programs, state and federal policy, and environmental factors.

Obesity is one of the most complicated disease processes pediatricians deal with. It is a disease
that is brought about by a myriad of causes and a disease that affects nearly every organ system in
the body. This collection will give you easy access to topics that help you manage this challenging
disease.