Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

adults, childhood obesity, obesity

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Abstract

Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 in adults and above the 95th percentile for children based on age and sex norms. The prevalence of obesity across the lifespan has increased over the last several decades in the United States. Currently, 17% of children and 36% of adults in the United States meet these criteria, with higher prevalence among racial and ethnic minority groups. Childhood and adult obesity are associated with immediate and long-term medical, psychological, and cognitive consequences. Therefore, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends all children and adults are screened for obesity. The USPSTF also recommends intensive, multicomponent behavioral weight loss interventions be provided for children and adults with obesity. However, gaps remain in providing evidence-based treatment for individuals with obesity.

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