[Epidemiology and prevention of obesity in children and adolescents]

The epidemic of obesity extends to the entire population, including children and adolescents. Obesity is most often assessed based on age- and sex-specific values of body mass index. In Switzerland, the pediatric prevalence of overweight (including obesity) and obesity are, respectively, 15-20% and 2-5%. The impact of pediatric obesity on health is substantial, particularly because obesity tracks from childhood into adulthood. To be effective, prevention must include both individual-centered approaches and multisectoral interventions that address the societal roots of the obesity epidemic.