[Childhood obesity as a health priority. Guidelines for improving weight control]

Childhood obesity is a growing concern, because the problem affects a high percentage of children and is the source of many diseases in the present and in the future, which can lead to a decrease in life expectancy and quality of life. In order to combat the problem, it is necessary to analyze the factors associated with excess weight in childhood in order to act on them and try to curb the trend observed in recent years. Various socio-demographic aspects, as well as inactivity and sedentary lifestyle in children are factors that are associated with an increased risk of obesity and central adiposity. With great prominence in this issue, we have to highlight that the consumption of food is improvable: decrease the consumption of sugar, fat and sodium, and above all increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, dairy is associated with lower obesity and central obesity in children. There is no single responsible for the problem and the interaction between healthy behaviors increases the chances of success in the fight against childhood obesity, which should be considered when planning nutritional education campaigns. Many aspects of the diet and lifestyle of the child population must be improved, perhaps now more emphasis is being placed on restrictive guidelines. Of course, it is desirable to reduce the consumption of sweets and snacks, but messages aimed at increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal can be prioritized. Constructive guidelines should stand out from restrictive ones.