Psychological Approaches to the Treatment of Pediatric Obesity

This book offers a comprehensive review of current research and theoretical approaches​ to pediatric obesity.

Pediatric obesity is a significant public health concern that currently affects 1 in 5 children and adolescents. Prevention and treatment of this complex health condition requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the intersecting roles of gender, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other factors that play key roles in the onset and maintenance of pediatric obesity. Written for mental health clinicians, as well as medical practitioners such as physicians, nurses, dietitians, and exercise physiologists who care for children and adolescents, this helpful resource offers a comprehensive review of current research and theoretical approaches, as well as clear descriptions of effective strategies to prevent and treat pediatric obesity.

Through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the authors incorporate cutting edge research and their extensive clinical experience and expertise as they review evidence-based treatments that can be incorporated into various settings, including primary care, mental health, and specialty medical care clinics as well as schools and community organizations. With a special focus on psychological factors, including mental health conditions that frequently co-occur with pediatric obesity, this book incorporates case examples, treatment guidelines, and reproducible handouts to make addressing pediatric obesity more accessible to clinicians and practitioners.

Crystal S. Lim, PhD, ABPP, is an associate professor in the department of psychiatry and human behavior at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). She has been working with children with overweight and obesity and their caregivers for over 10 years in community-based and clinical settings. She co-directs the UMMC pediatric weight management clinic, and conducts research examining medical and psychological comorbidities in pediatric obesity. Dr. Lim is also the training director of the UMMC psychology internship program and is actively involved in training interns in clinical service, research, and professional development.

E. Thomaseo Burton, PhD, MPH, ABPP, is an associate professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). Trained as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Burton’s research seeks to develop and implement high quality and culturally-relevant behavioral interventions for children, adolescents, and their families with overweight, obesity, and related cardiometabolic comorbidities. He is a member of the Pediatric Obesity Program at UTHSC and serves as pediatric psychologist for the Healthy Lifestyle Clinic at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Dr. Burton is board certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology.