Risk Factors, Clinical Consequences, Prevention, and Treatment of Childhood Obesity

Abstract

Obesity might adversely affect the health and well-being of children and their families. Childhood obesity has crucial implications for health, both during childhood and as they age. It is highly associated with many acute problems and is commonly present during childhood, making visits and hospital admissions polarized in this group of children. The problems that may affect these children can be medical, such as asthma, chronic inflammation, orthopedic abnormalities, liver disease, diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia. Long-term consequences of cardiovascular risk factors, the persistence of obesity and premature mortality are common among adults who had obesity during their early lives. Additionally, they could also suffer from psychological issues, such as low self-esteem, which puts them at risk of a much more serious psychosocial problem that may lead to depression, as well as a disruption in educational achievements and social relationships. A healthy diet, physical activity, adequate sleep, and limited screen time are all preventive measures that should be implemented at the family and community levels, preferably through well-structured programs. Furthermore, pharmacological management of childhood obesity is limited and only used after non-pharmacological interventions have failed or in the late stages of obesity. However, recent guidelines advocate the early use of medical interventions. Approved pharmacotherapeutic options include orlistat, phentermine/topiramate combination and liraglutide. There are several other options approved primarily for other specific forms of obesity or for other indications, including setmelanotide, metformin, lisdexamfetamine, zonisamide and fluoxetine. Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective option in cases with extreme obesity and comorbidities considering the need for long-term monitoring and support for cases and their families post-surgery. This review aims to discuss and highlight the recent evidence regarding risk factors, clinical consequences, prevention, and treatment of childhood obesity.

The relationship between attitude toward physical activity and weight gain in children and young adolescence

“…The escalating incidence of childhood obesity has emerged as a significant global public health issue ( 14 ). The prevalence of overweight or obese children and adolescents aged 5–19 years, has surged from 4% in 1975 to an alarming 18% in 2016 ( 7 ).…”

“…Numerous studies and health-related reports from various countries have consistently demonstrated a significant surge in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and young adults over the past two decades ( 14 ). Research conducted in the United States ( 15 – 17 ), China ( 1 , 18 , 19 ), Denmark ( 20 ), England ( 21 , 22 ), Sweden ( 23 ), and Norway ( 24 ) has consistently documented a rapid escalation in obesity rates among children and young adults.…”

Exploring the Complex Interplay of Obesity, Allergic Diseases, and Sleep-Disordered Breathing In Children

“…Obese children also exhibit anomalies during sleep, such as positive pharyngeal pressure and less pharyngeal dilatory activity [17]. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is a significant risk factor for OSA in obese children, but surgical removal of tonsils may only have a partial effect on improving the condition [18]. Some studies report a significant reduction in lung function in obese children.…”

The Impact of Excessive Fructose Intake on Adipose Tissue and the Development of Childhood Obesity

“…Prenatal and early postnatal factors increase the risk of developing obesity and several additional diseases throughout life [111,113]. Children born from mothers with obesity or from women who developed gestational diabetes are more likely to develop obesity and metabolic problems compared to children born from healthy mothers [113].…”