[Overweight and obesity: review and update].

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Endocrinology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Obesity is a widespread epidemic with significant health and economic consequences.
• Current World Health Organization (WHO) obesity assessment tools are not universally adopted.
• A lack of unified management strategies exists across regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated epidemiological overview of obesity.
• To advocate for the global implementation of WHO's obesity assessment standards.
• To review novel findings in obesity's pathophysiology, including the endocrine function of adipose tissue and the role of gut microbiota.
• To present updated management guidelines for clinical integration.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative review article was prepared by LAPSGHAN members under expert editorial guidance.
• Content selection prioritized evidence-based literature.
• Individual contributions were synthesized into a unified document.

Main Results:

• While extreme obesity rises in the US, overall prevalence has stabilized; however, obesity rates are alarmingly increasing in other nations.
• Emerging research highlights adipose tissue's role as an endocrine organ and self-regulator.
• The gut microbiota shows significant potential in obesity management.
• Guidelines for the consultation and follow-up of children with obesity have been developed.

Conclusions:

• WHO standards and guidelines for obesity management lack widespread implementation.
• Disagreement persists regarding the use of z-scores versus percentiles for assessing obesity in children under two.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most common tool for assessing overweight, obesity, and severe obesity.
• Recommendations are provided for the clinical management of children affected by obesity.