Childhood obesity is one of the most serious problems facing the developed world. It is damaging to the medical and psychological well-being of our children, and casts a shadow on their future health as adults, leading to serious illness and ultimately premature death.

This book, written by world-renowned leaders in the field, should be used as a practical tool in the management of the overweight child rather than left on the shelf to gather dust like some medical books. Its pages should become well-thumbed by front-line health care professionals, commissioners and policy-makers alike. It would even be acceptable to turn back the corners of the pages, and use light pencil markings on the margin to highlight important passages, because unlike many volumes, this represents first-hand experiences of practical childhood obesity management, combined with a profound scientific, clinical and social appreciation of the condition and its ramifications.

Weight management in children is one of the most difficult challenges faced by health care professionals who cannot change the environment which leads to the weight problems in the first place. Only the government, food, retail, advertising industry, schools, planners and other authorities can do that. Sweets and chocolates still appear at supermarket check-outs, fast food outlets still sell vast portions of cheap, unhealthy food at all times of day and night on every street corner.