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Weight Gain and/or Obesity

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Endocrine Conditions in Pediatrics

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Abstract

Accumulation of excess adipose tissue or fat is defined as obesity. Body mass index (BMI) is used as a reliable tool for the assessment of the severity of obesity. There are a multitude of causes of weight gain, including endocrinologic diseases, neurologic conditions, psychological concerns, medication-induced weight gain, and the rare causes of monogenic obesity in which single genes are involved. It is critical for a pediatrician to understand the interpretation of growth data as well as associated symptoms and signs for clear elucidation of the underlying etiology of weight gain. This well help in targeting therapy to the underlying cause. In addition, the assessment of the microenvironment effectors – the patient’s lifestyle and circumstances – is of paramount importance for creating an appropriate management strategy. The main parameters guiding the intensity of therapy are the age of the child, severity of obesity, associated comorbidities, and prior failed attempts of weight loss by behavioral therapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Endocrinology and Obesity Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA

    Sonali Malhotra

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  1. Sonali Malhotra
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Correspondence to Sonali Malhotra .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Takara Stanley

  2. Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Madhusmita Misra

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Malhotra, S. (2021). Weight Gain and/or Obesity. In: Stanley, T., Misra, M. (eds) Endocrine Conditions in Pediatrics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-52215-5_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-52215-5_19

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-52214-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-52215-5

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