Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents

The 2014 document addresses the escalating issue of childhood obesity, which has seen a substantial rise in prevalence over the past 30 years, affecting nearly every organ system and leading to serious health issues like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. It underscores the importance of early prevention and treatment to maintain a healthy weight, with a focus on nutrition, exercise, and behavioral modification due to limited pharmacotherapy options. The paper reviews the definition, etiology, determinants, and risk factors of pediatric obesity, including genetic and non-genetic factors, and the complex interplay between them. It also discusses the use of BMI as a measure and the influence of various factors such as genetics, diet, energy expenditure, and socioeconomic level on obesity. The document concludes that the prevalence of childhood obesity has increased worldwide and outlines the various determinants and risk factors associated with its development.