Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Childhood obesity: a global public health crisis

Sameera Karnik1, Amar Kanekar

  • 1Masters of Public Health Program, American Public University, East Stroudsburg, PA, USA.

International Journal of Preventive Medicine
|April 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern. Effective interventions focus on education, prevention, and promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity at a population level.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant global public health crisis with increasing prevalence.
  • Obesity in children stems from a caloric imbalance and is influenced by genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.
  • It leads to various physical, psychological, and social health issues, necessitating effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review factors contributing to childhood obesity.
  • To examine diverse intervention strategies and governmental actions for obesity management.
  • To identify future challenges in addressing this epidemic.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across CINAHL, MEDLINE, ERIC, and Academic Search Premier databases.
  • The search covered publications from 1999 to 2011.

Main Results:

  • Interventions included family-based, school-based, community-based, play-based, and hospital-based approaches.
  • School-based interventions targeting physical activity and nutrition education showed effectiveness.
  • Key challenges include financial constraints and the stigmatization of obese children.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood obesity can be effectively managed through population-level strategies.
  • Education, prevention, and sustainable interventions promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity are crucial.
  • Governmental and healthcare organizations are implementing policy changes and environmental interventions to support physical activity.
Abstract

Keywords:
Calorie imbalancechildhood obesityinterventionsphysical activitypolicy changing

More Related Videos

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report05:10

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
Binge Eating Disorders01:23

Binge Eating Disorders

Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...
Bulimia Nervosa01:30

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV01:26

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV

Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
Primary Healthcare Services01:30

Primary Healthcare Services

Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
Anorexia Nervosa01:28

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...