Chapter 42
Behavioral Health and Childhood Obesity
Shawn A. Lawrence,
Eileen Mazur Abel,
Shawn A. Lawrence
Search for more papers by this authorEileen Mazur Abel
Search for more papers by this authorShawn A. Lawrence,
Eileen Mazur Abel,
Shawn A. Lawrence
Search for more papers by this authorEileen Mazur Abel
Search for more papers by this authorBook Editor(s):David I. Mostofsky,
David I. Mostofsky
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 28 March 2014
Summary
Obesity has become far and away the most prevalent chronic childhood issue of the modern era. Despite the fact that high-risk behaviors and lifestyle choices have a clear impact on client morbidity, behavioral health interventions, including therapy and counseling, have played a minor role in the response from the medical community. This chapter provides background information about the incidence and prevalence of obesity and childhood obesity and offers an overview of the current social work approaches for preventing and treating obesity as a systemic issue. Treatments for obese children and youth and information about the roles for social work on all three levels, including evidence-based practices (EBPs) based on scientific research, are highlighted in light of their effectiveness for treating and preventing childhood obesity. The implications for future social work practice and research are also discussed.
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