Why should we write a book on pediatric metabolic syndrome? commentaries from worldwide experts

Abstract

One might ask “why write an entire book on the pediatric metabolic syndrome?” It is not operationally defined as of yet, and some even challenge its very existence. However, couched in the current worldwide obesity epidemic, the scientific literature indicates that this constellation of cardiometabolic disease risk factors is increasing in pediatric populations around the world without discrimination by age, sex, or race/ethnicity. This chapter provides unique perspectives from a select group of child health advocates and experts, many who have dedicated significant proportions of their careers, and in some cases their entire career, to pediatric preventative health and nutrition. Here, they provide their candid perspective on the pediatric metabolic syndrome from different positions, yet all emphasize the resolve of the scientific community to continue to pursue this area both in research and clinical care.