Adult obesity and its complications: a pediatric disease?

Abstract

Purpose of review Approximately 2.6 million people die each year secondary to obesity related diseases. The risk of developing serious comorbidities depends on the age of onset as well as duration of obesity. In this review, we discuss trends in BMI trajectories from early childhood to adulthood with latest evidence on comorbidities in adulthood stemming from pediatric obesity and benefits of early intervention and treatment in childhood obesity. Recent findings Childhood obesity poses high risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and some types of cancer in adulthood. Early life obesity also increases risks of developing menstrual irregularities, infertility, and pregnancy complications. Several grave concerns including malignancies, autoimmune disorders, higher asthma morbidity, and psychiatric implications are found to be associated with childhood obesity. Disease outcomes can be transgenerational, causing suboptimal health in children of mothers with obesity. Encouragingly, many risks associated with childhood obesity can be reduced, delayed, or even reversed by early resolution of obesity necessitating close BMI monitoring and treatment early. Summary Early identification and aggressive management of childhood obesity is critical in prevention of debilitating comorbidities in adult life. Video abstract http://links.lww.com/COE/A19

Age- and weight group-specific weight gain patterns in children and adolescents during the 15 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…With 158,000,000 affected children, childhood obesity is a pandemic on its own [ 12 ]. It is related to many comorbidities like hypertension, impaired glucose metabolism, and even cancer [ 13 ] or depression [ 14 ]; an earlier onset is often related to more severe sequelae [ 14 ]. Moreover, in the context of COVID-19, obesity increases the likelihood of severe disease progression, even in children [ 13 , 15 ].…”

Age- and weight group-specific weight gain patterns in children and adolescents during the 15 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“…11 With 158 000 000 affected children, childhood obesity is a pandemic on its own. 12 It is related to many comorbidities like hypertension, impaired glucose metabolism, and even cancer 13 or depression; 14 an earlier onset is often related to more severe sequelae. 14 Moreover, in the context of COVID−19, obesity increases the likelihood of severe disease progression, even in children.…”

“…12 It is related to many comorbidities like hypertension, impaired glucose metabolism, and even cancer 13 or depression; 14 an earlier onset is often related to more severe sequelae. 14 Moreover, in the context of COVID−19, obesity increases the likelihood of severe disease progression, even in children. 13,15 Based on the weight trend pattern during school time and summer recess, a simulation study predicted an increase of the mean BMI-SDS during COVID-19-induced school closures.…”

Bodyweight Measures and Lifestyle Habits in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis and Moderate to Severe Disability

“…Obesity is a worldwide epidemic in developed and developing countries, and its prevalence is increasing globally [ 3 ]. Obesity is a well-known risk factor for a number of comorbidities and is associated with increased risk of dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, cardiovascular disease [ 4 ], osteoarthritis and negative effects on the nervous system [ 5 ], as well as with increased mortality. Furthermore, obesity is associated with an increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and MS [ 6 , 7 ].…”