Childhood Obesity: A Multidisciplinary Review of Prevention and Management

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity has emerged as one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide. The increasing prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is associated with substantial physical, psychological, metabolic, and socioeconomic consequences. Rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and genetic predisposition contribute significantly to the rising burden of pediatric obesity. Objective: This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, prevention strategies, and multidisciplinary management of childhood obesity, with emphasis on recent evidence and updated clinical guidelines. Methods: A narrative review of literature published between 2019 and 2022 was conducted using databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Elsevier, and Springer. Relevant MeSH terms and keywords related to childhood obesity, pediatric obesity management, lifestyle interventions, metabolic syndrome, and prevention strategies were used. Peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and guidelinebased recommendations were included. Results: Childhood obesity is influenced by complex interactions between genetic, environmental, behavioral, endocrine, and psychosocial factors. Obese children are at increased risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, sleep disorders, orthopedic complications, and psychological morbidity. Early diagnosis using BMI-for-age percentiles and multidisciplinary intervention strategies including dietary modification, physical activity promotion, behavioral therapy, family-centered approaches, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery in selected cases are essential for effective management. Conclusion: Childhood obesity requires coordinated multidisciplinary management and preventive public health strategies. Early identification, school-based interventions, parental involvement, policy implementation, and evidence-based treatment protocols are crucial to reducing the longterm burden of obesity-related complications.