Behavioral Treatment of Childhood Obesity: Theoretical and Practical Implications

Abstract

The impressive 10-year success of behavioral treatment of childhood obesity stands in marked contrast to the disappointing long-term results obtained with obese adults. It may be easier to teach children healthy eating and activity habits. Parents also regulate access to food, therey reducing the importance of self-control. Whether treatment of childhood obesity affects the later development of an eating disorder is a question that calls for future research.