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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
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Overview of Pediatric Obesity as a Disease

Stephanie W Waldrop1, Awab Ali Ibrahim2, Jacqueline Maya3

  • 1Section on Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC), University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.

Pediatric Clinics of North America
|September 29, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Obesity in children is a complex disease with multifactorial origins, impacting multiple organ systems. Understanding its pathophysiology is crucial for effective pediatric management and treatment of associated health issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Obesity is a significant global health concern in children, characterized by an energy imbalance.
  • It is linked to numerous pediatric disorders affecting various organ systems.
  • Growing evidence points to multifactorial origins, including genetic and hormonal factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the pathophysiologic mechanistic links between childhood obesity and associated pediatric disorders.
  • To emphasize obesity as a disease process requiring specialized medical consideration.
  • To inform pediatric health practitioners on managing obesity and its sequelae.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established and hypothesized pathophysiologic mechanisms.
  • Analysis of energy balance regulation in individuals with obesity.
  • Exploration of metabolic, genetic, and hormonal influences.

Main Results:

  • Obesity results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure.
  • Variations in metabolic rate, genetics, and hormonal regulation contribute to obesity.
  • Obesity is associated with diverse pediatric disorders across multiple organ systems.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the complex pathophysiology of obesity is essential for its recognition as a disease.
  • Effective management strategies for pediatric obesity require a comprehensive understanding of its underlying mechanisms.
  • This knowledge empowers pediatric practitioners to better address the health consequences of childhood obesity.

Keywords:
InflammationMetabolic dysfunctionPathophysiologyPediatric obesity

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