This reference brief deals with the problem of childhood obesity and how it can lead to obesity in the adult. Eighty-four abstracts are presented of studies on the identification, prevention, and treatment of obesity in children, focusing on diet and psychological attitudes. Subjects of the studies were children ranging in age from infancy through…

This reference brief deals with the childhood antecedents to atherosclerosis and hypertension. While diet is related to the development of coronary artery diseases, there is some disagreement about what dietary changes are necessary or desirable in children to prevent their development, and at what age such changes should be made. Fifty-five…

During this 3-day workshop with 138 registered participants, invited medical experts deliberated extensively on the physiological regulation of blood pressure, the unique biological characteristics and dietary patterns of Blacks and other minorities, the prevalence of hypertension in U.S. Blacks and Native Americans, the roles of specific macro-…

This bibliography consists of 212 recent citations (January 1985 through May 1990) from AGRICOLA, the National Agricultural Library (NAL) computerized database. The bibliography addresses issues concerning childhood obesity and cardiovascular disease. Each citation includes the NAL call number, the title, the author(s) the city of publication, the…

Obesity in children is a problem both insidious and acute. Childhood obesity has been indicated as a forerunner of adult obesity; it is also an immediate problem for the child. Given the lack of evidence for long term maintenance of any weight loss, this paper investigates the etiology of the disorder as a prelude to prevention. Upon review of the…

Obesity is one of the leading public health problems in the United States. It is associated with drug abuse and increased mortality. In seeking to differentiate between overweight and obese individuals, it may be said that obesity exists in those individuals who are 40% or more above normal weight as determined on commonly used height and weight…

Responses of 250 school nurses to a questionnaire regarding childhood obesity revealed that most believed that normal weight was important to children's health and that they should be role models by maintaining normal weight. Most also found child and parent weight loss counseling difficult and that schools should do more to alleviate childhood…

This study examined the validity and reliability of a short obesity knowledge scale. A 12-item test was developed covering etiology of obesity, diseases related to obesity, weight loss techniques, and general information on obesity. Four test formats were compared, revealing that the scale needs further validation. (Author/MT)

Investigated disturbances in body image perception with anorexic, obese and control groups. Significant difference was found among the groups in perception of present-self body image, body image at plus 10 pounds, and minus 10 pounds. A directional trend was noted in anorexic overestimation and obese underestimation on the total concept of body…

Compared purging bulimics (N=26), non-purging bulimics (N=24), and controls with no apparent eating problems, on personality and demographic variables. Results linked bulimics with low self-esteem, high anxiety, external locus of control, and high incidence of maternal and family obesity. No significant differences were found between purgers and…

This review focuses on a classification of the concept of obesity, childhood growth patterns, current diagnostic procedures, physiological and psychological implications, etiology, environmental influences, and the special needs of the obese child. Obesity is viewed as a medical condition requiring medical and educational interventions. (Author/RH)

Describes the Stanford Adolescent Weight Loss Camp, which taught eating and exercise skills to 25 overweight adolescents. At posttreatment, reductions were achieved in weight, with improved habits and weight management concepts. Parent and participant assessment of the camp was very positive. (JAC)

This paper reviews the relationships between physical fitness and body composition and their combined effect on health. After discussing the epidemiologic evidence for a protective effect of physical fitness on the health risks associated with obesity, it describes the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, an ongoing observational study that…

Measured video-image representations of body size for 68 females undergoing weight reduction counseling. All judged themselves significantly more obese than they actually were. After therapy, more realistic estimates of their physiques ensued. Dropouts saw themselves as significantly more obese than those who graduated from the program. (JAC)