Childhood Obesity : Causes, Prevention and Management

Childhood obesity has several early-onset adverse effects on all body organs and the metabolism. Moreover, as obesity tracks from childhood to adulthood, it can be an underlying factor for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases, which are the worldwide leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Such chronic diseases can result from lifelong accumulation of some risk factors, including obesity. Therefore, sustained interventions are necessary to tackle the onset or progression of childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is no more limited to high-income countries; it has a rapid growing trend in low and middle-come countries. In addition to genetic background, environmental disruptor chemicals and their epigenetic effects are of important underlying factors for the escalating trend of childhood obesity and the trans-generational aspects of obesity. It is noteworthy to consider the early life determinants of childhood obesity, including prenatal, perinatal and post-natal factors, are usually preventable. Dietary habits are formed in the first years of life; therefore it is of crucial importance to establish healthy habits from early life. Food industry, food environment, and social media are important factors influencing the food choices for families and their children. On the other hand, parents are the most important role models for lifestyle habits of their children. In addition to preventative measures, it is important to know how to manage excess weight in growing children, who need enough macro- and micronutrients for their growth, but need to have controlled food intake. Various family-based and school-based interventions are suggested in this regard. In addition to energy intake, it is essential to increase the energy expenditure by regular exercise. Most healthcare providers are not aware of appropriate physical activity for weight control in the pediatric age group. Sometimes the process of weight gain is not correctly prevented or controlled in children and adolescents, and they would suffer from morbid obesity necessitating surgical treatment. Limited evidence-based information is available about these aspects of childhood obesity. This book is written with collaboration of international experts with different scientific backgrounds, who contributed in gathering the updates and findings from their experience on how to deal with the complex factors related to childhood obesity. The main focus of this book is on providing updated information on all above-mentioned aspects related to childhood obesity. It is expected that researchers, health care providers, physicians, health decision makers, and families would find this book as a beneficial tool for implementing widespread measures for prevention and control of childhood obesity.