Prevention of childhood obesity: the new search for the holy grail

Dramatic increases in the prevalence of child and adolescent obesity have occurred recently across the developed and much of the developing world. Trends predict further marked increases in the prevalence of pediatric obesity. The pediatric obesity epidemic will have substantial adverse health and economic impacts. This article summarizes recent trends in pediatric obesity, and their likely impact for future cardiovascular disease. The evidence on preventive interventions is summarized, with a critique of why most preventive interventions have been unsuccessful. A rationale for designing improved, more radical interventions for the prevention of pediatric obesity is presented.