Title:Childhood Obesity: An Updated Review
Volume: 20
Issue: 1
Author(s): Alexander K.C. Leung*, Alex H.C. Wong and Kam Lun Hon
Affiliation:
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Calgary, The Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, overweight.
Abstract:
Background: Childhood obesity is an important and serious public health problem
worldwide.
Objective: This article aims to familiarize physicians with the evaluation, management, and prevention
of childhood.
Methods: A PubMed search was conducted in May, 2021, in Clinical Queries using the key terms
"obesity" OR “obese”. The search included clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, case-control
studies, cohort studies, meta-analyses, observational studies, clinical guidelines, case reports, case
series, and reviews. The search was restricted to English literature and children. The information retrieved
from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article.
Results: Most obese children have exogenous obesity characterized by a growth rate for height
above the 50th percentile, normal intelligence, normal genitalia, and lack of historical or physical
evidence of an endocrine abnormality or a congenital syndrome. Obese children are at risk for
dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep
apnea, psychosocial disturbances, impaired quality of life, and shorter life expectancy. The multitude
of serious comorbidities necessitates effective treatment modalities. Dietary modification, therapeutic
exercise, and behavioral modification are the fundamentals of treatment. Pharmacotherapy
and/or bariatric surgery should be considered for obese individuals who do not respond to the above
measures and suffer from a serious comorbid condition.
Conclusion: Childhood obesity, once established, is often refractory to treatment. Most treatment
programs lead to a brief period of weight loss, followed by rapid re-accumulation of the lost weight
after the termination of therapy. As such, preventive activity is the key to solving the problem of
childhood obesity. Childhood obesity can be prevented by promoting a healthy diet, regular physical
activity, and lifestyle modification. Parents should be encouraged to get involved in school and
community programs that improve their children's nutritional status and physical activity.
