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A recent update on childhood obesity: aetiology, treatment and complications

Katherine Hawton1,2, Diksha Shirodkar1,2, Thomas Siese3

  • 1156596 Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust , Bristol, UK.

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|March 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is a growing global health crisis with serious complications. Effective management requires a comprehensive approach, including new medications and surgical options for adolescents.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a complex, chronic condition with increasing global prevalence.
  • It stems from multifactorial causes including genetic, environmental, and societal influences.
  • Rising obesity rates in youth correlate with increased adult obesity and significant health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review on the prevalence, causes, health complications, and treatment of childhood obesity.
  • To highlight the urgent need for global population-level strategies to combat rising childhood obesity rates.
  • To discuss current and emerging treatment modalities for pediatric obesity.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes current literature on childhood obesity.
  • It examines epidemiological data, etiological factors, and associated health consequences.
  • Treatment strategies discussed include dietary, exercise, psychological, pharmacological, and surgical interventions.

Main Results:

  • Obesity leads to widespread health complications affecting all body systems, increasing morbidity and reducing life expectancy.
  • A multi-faceted biopsychosocial approach is essential for treating obesity and its associated health issues.
  • New pharmacological treatments for childhood obesity are emerging, alongside bariatric surgery as a viable option for adolescents.

Conclusions:

  • Urgent global strategies are needed to address the escalating prevalence of childhood obesity.
  • Comprehensive treatment plans incorporating lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery are crucial.
  • Further research and development in anti-obesity medications and surgical interventions are vital for improving outcomes.

Keywords:
dietaryexcess weightmetabolicobesityoverweighttype 2 diabetes mellitus

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