Understanding Childhood Obesity (Understanding Health and Sickness Series)
More than one in seven American children between the ages of six and 17 are now considered obese. While the debate continues over how much influence to assign to heredity and how much to cultural and environmental factors, the fact remains undisputed that most adult obesity is rooted in childhood. The authors of both these books heartily agree with the old adage that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Smith, a pediatrician and assistant professor of preventive medicine, explains in depth how the body uses food as fuel and stores the excess as fat, what we know of how genetic factors and body chemistry influence weight gain, which behavior modification strategies work with children, and the short- and long-term health consequences of obesity. Prevention, treatment techniques, and current research on the role of leptin and neurotransmitters are included. Smith's book is a solid text for understanding a complex problem. Recommended for academic/health collections. Klein, a nutritionist and consumer advocate, has written a highly accessible handbook for parents to help their children develop and maintain nutritious eating habits. The emphasis is less on weight loss and more on living an active, healthy, balanced lifestyle. Klein advocates exercise and nutritious nibbling during the day and deemphasizes weight on the scale as an indicator of success or failure. One concept, Better Bad Choices (healthier versions of favorite foods), satisfies cravings while giving children the opportunity to learn how to make nutritious choices. In addition to discussions of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and sugars, an extensive appendix includes the caloric values of fast foods from major chains, better bad choices for candy and other sweets, the nutritional value of meats and seafood, and about 100 low-fat recipes using ordinary ingredients. A hands-on, hands-down winner; recommended for popular health collections.AAnne C. Tomlin, Auburn Memorial Hosp. Lib., NYCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.