Childhood obesity represents one of the most important health issues worldwide, whose prevalence is continuously increasing. Obesity during infancy significantly increases the risk of obesity in adult life and it is associated with an increased risk of premature morbidity and mortality due to cardio-metabolic diseases. Numerous factors (genetic, environmental, sociodemographic, behavioral, perinatal) may contribute to the onset of obesity and its complications although to date their exact role, interaction and mechanisms involved in this process are not completely clear.
Treatment of childhood obesity and associated cardio-metabolic risk-factors is primarily based on lifestyle changes focused on improving eating habits, promoting regular physical activity, and reducing sedentary behavior, although other treatments may need to be combined in specific situations. In addition, early intervention is an important strategy to prevent the onset of obesity given that there are crucial moments during growth and development of children when preventive efforts or therapeutic intervention may be most effective.
The new frontiers of scientific research in the field of obesity aims to expand knowledge about the pathogenetic mechanisms of obesity, related complications, and the new therapeutic strategies that support dietary-behavioral treatment.
This Research Topic aims to include original research articles, (mini)reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, on themes related to:
- childhood obesity prevention strategies;
- management of obesity in pediatrics, including behavioral and pharmacological treatments, and advances in the diagnosis of obesity-related complications;
- new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and its complications.
Childhood obesity represents one of the most important health issues worldwide, whose prevalence is continuously increasing. Obesity during infancy significantly increases the risk of obesity in adult life and it is associated with an increased risk of premature morbidity and mortality due to cardio-metabolic diseases. Numerous factors (genetic, environmental, sociodemographic, behavioral, perinatal) may contribute to the onset of obesity and its complications although to date their exact role, interaction and mechanisms involved in this process are not completely clear.
Treatment of childhood obesity and associated cardio-metabolic risk-factors is primarily based on lifestyle changes focused on improving eating habits, promoting regular physical activity, and reducing sedentary behavior, although other treatments may need to be combined in specific situations. In addition, early intervention is an important strategy to prevent the onset of obesity given that there are crucial moments during growth and development of children when preventive efforts or therapeutic intervention may be most effective.
The new frontiers of scientific research in the field of obesity aims to expand knowledge about the pathogenetic mechanisms of obesity, related complications, and the new therapeutic strategies that support dietary-behavioral treatment.
This Research Topic aims to include original research articles, (mini)reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, on themes related to:
- childhood obesity prevention strategies;
- management of obesity in pediatrics, including behavioral and pharmacological treatments, and advances in the diagnosis of obesity-related complications;
- new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and its complications.
