Handbook of Pediatric Obesity: Clinical Management.

Handbook of Pediatric Obesity: Clinical Management Sothern MS, Gordon ST, von Almen TK, eds. Boca Raton, FL 33487, Taylor & Francis Group, 2006, hardcover, 402 pp, illus, ISBN: 1-57444-913-3, $139.95.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide background information, clinical examination tools, and available treatment approaches for medical professionals who are interested in combating the increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity. This book is relevant for pediatric physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

The material in the book is covered in a comprehensive manner. The book contains 20 chapters that are organized into 11 sections: "Clinical Management," "Medical Aspects of Treatment," "Psychological and Physical Considerations," "Clinical Evaluation," "Dietary Approaches," "Behavioral Counseling," "Exercise and Physical Activity," "Internet-Based Approaches," "Pharmacology," "Surgery," and "Interdisciplinary, Interactive, Group Instruction."

The book is an excellent source for up-to-date information on the many aspects of pediatric obesity. The content is well supported with references to hundreds of current articles (as recent as 2005) listed at the end of the chapters. Despite the number of specific topics covered, the content is covered in sufficient detail for the book to be considered a comprehensive text on the subject.

The first chapter provides an overview of the problem of pediatric obesity and offers potential solutions for its management. Section 7 on exercise and physical activity includes 2 chapters that are directly related to the physical therapy profession. The first of these chapters reviews the motivational theories that can be used to increase physical activity and is particularly helpful for the practicing clinician. The second chapter in this section details the effects of exercise and provides a brief overview of successful exercise parameters. Although the chapter is brief, it is a sufficient reference tool for clinicians developing exercise programs for this population.

The text uses tables, graphs, formulas, and flow charts throughout the chapters to help provide clarity. In chapter 6, a helpful table provides guidelines for resistance training for pediatric patients. Basic information also is provided for the beginning health care professional, such as the formulas for calculating the body mass index found in chapter 7. In addition, the book provides 3 separate voluminous appendixes covering 120 pages. These appendixes include clinical management forms, checklists, fitness evaluation forms, testing protocols, resources, a table of food portions and units, and full meal plans. This reference is relevant to physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who are interested in the topic of pediatric obesity, and I would recommend its addition to their professional library.

[DOI: 10.2522/ptj.2007.87.3.353]

Ricardo A Fernandez

RA Fernandez, PT, PhD, OCS, is a physical therapist, AthletiCo, Chicago, Ill.