Resumen
Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern, presenting complex challenges with far-reaching consequences. The introduction of this analysis sets the stage by contextualizing the severity of childhood obesity, citing the World Health Organization’s recognition of it as a critical 21st-century health issue. The condition adversely impacts children’s physical and mental health to long-term complications that extend into adulthood. The analysis explores various dimensions of childhood obesity, including its prevalence, associated health risks, and the multifaceted factors contributing to its rise, such as genetic, environmental, and behavioral influences. The review identifies six key thematic impact in research on childhood obesity: obesity and overweight, risk of child obesity, causes of obesity, prevention strategies, and obesity data. The classification of childhood obesity, crucial for monitoring and intervention, is discussed, highlighting the use of body mass index (BMI) and measures to assess and categorize the condition. The importance of addressing childhood obesity is underscored, considering its on future societal health and the mental well-being of affected children. Public policies and health programs play a pivotal role in combating this issue, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach. The review also delves into various treatment and intervention strategies, ranging from lifestyle and dietary modifications to medical therapies, and stresses the importance of early detection and prevention. Global and regional prevalence trends are analyzed, revealing significant variations and underscoring the urgency of targeted interventions. The study concludes by advocating for sustained collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities, to effectively address and mitigate the childhood obesity epidemic.
DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.012-057