The prevalence and severity of obesity among children has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. Strong evidence supports the concept that precursors of adult cardiovascular disease (CVD) begin in childhood, and that pediatric obesity has an important influence on overall CVD risk. In this Review, Nadeau and colleagues examine the evidence supporting the impact of childhood obesity on adult obesity, surrogate markers of CVD, and the development of CVD as well as the effects of obesity treatment strategies on risk factors and clinical outcomes.
- Kristen J. Nadeau
- David M. Maahs
- Robert H. Eckel
