Update on childhood/adolescent obesity and its sequela

Abstract

Purpose of review: We aim to describe current concepts on childhood and adolescent obesity with a strong focus on its sequela. Childhood obesity is a national epidemic with increasing prevalence over the past three decades placing children at increased risk for many serious comorbidities, previously felt to be only adult-specific diseases, making this topic both timely and relevant for general pediatricians as well as for subspecialists.

Recent findings: Childhood obesity develops through an interplay of genetics, environment, and behavior. Treatment includes lifestyle modification, and now metabolic and bariatric surgery is more commonly considered in carefully selected adolescents. The off-label use of adjunct medications for weight loss in childhood and adolescent obesity is still in its infancy, but will likely become the next logical step in those with lifestyle modification refractory obesity. Obesity can lead to several comorbidities, which can persist into adulthood potentially shortening the child's lifespan.

Summary: Efforts should be focused primarily on reducing childhood and adolescent obesity, and when indicated treating its sequela in effort to reduce future morbidity and mortality in this precious population. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/MOP/A36.