The potential role of social care in reducing childhood obesity

This review evaluates the current evidence for relationships of social factors with childhood obesity and for a role of social care in reduction of childhood obesity.

Most literature on the relationship between social factors and childhood obesity has examined food insecurity as a risk factor for obesity. Associations between food insecurity and excess weight in children are most consistent during infancy and among those with food insecurity at more than one time point. A few pilot food security interventions that link patients with produce or groceries show feasibility and potential promise for reducing childhood obesity risk factors. However, full-scale, randomized studies to examine interventions that reduce social needs and their effects on childhood obesity are lacking. Future research is needed to examine holistic social care approaches to effectively reduce childhood obesity risk factors.

Food insecurity acts as a barrier to childhood obesity prevention and treatment. Patient-centered, validated measures of social needs and effective interventions to address social needs are needed to equitably prevent and treat childhood obesity.