Understanding childhood and adolescent obesity

Abstract

Childhood overweight and obesity is one of the most significant public health concerns at a global level. A BMI >85TH Percentile is a widely accepted definition of overweight and children and young people with this BMI should be screened for comorbidities. Aetiology is complex and multifactorial, involving an interaction of genetic and non-genetic factors. Treatment must therefore be wide-reaching and the importance of identification of the at risk child and prevention must not be underestimated.