Occupational Therapy and the Childhood Obesity Epidemic: Research, Theory and Practice

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a public health epidemic in the United States. Children who are overweight or obese experience multiple physical, emotional, and social challenges in daily life activity (occupational) participation. The profession of occupational therapy addresses children’s current and future health and occupational needs through the ability to participate in everyday life. Presented in this paper is an overview of the role occupational therapy can and does play in meeting the challenges posed by childhood obesity with all children, including those with disabilities. In the context of the research and prevalence data, examples of occupational therapy interventions for school- and community-based settings are examined. Case studies illustrate occupational therapists’ contribution in prevention of and intervention for childhood obesity. Future research and strategies for prevention and health promotion advocating for the occupational health of children are discussed.

Keywords:

• obesity
• childhood
• occupation
• participation
• occupational therapy
• health promotion
• quality of life

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to acknowledge Sandra Schefkind’s leadership of this working group and other members who, although not represented in the authorship, contributed ideas to the development of this article.