Trends in the Diagnosis of Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents: 1999–2007

Abstract

Although clear BMI definitions of pediatric weight problems exist, a large percentage of overweight and obese patients remain undiagnosed. Diagnosis increased during the study period but remained low among overweight children, for whom early intervention may be more effective. Identification of overweight and obese patients is the first step in addressing this growing epidemic.