Childhood obesity: a growing public health concern

Abstract

Childhood obesity has been deemed epidemic, a term usually reserved for infectious diseases that sweep populations. This review begins with guidance regarding obesity definitions and a review of the data on global prevalence. The next section details the myriad health consequences for immediate and long-term physical and psychosocial health outcomes. The authors then discuss what is known regarding distal and proximal causes and correlates at the individual and contextual levels of family, health care, schools and community. The final sections provide a summary of interventions in diverse settings and some current thinking on how the field is likely to evolve over the next several years.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes; body mass index; body mass index-for-age; childhood obesity; diet; insulin resistance; metabolic syndrome; obesity prevention interventions; obesogenic environment; physical activity.