Obesidad infantil

Abstract

The specific causes of childhood obesity are poorly understood, but genetic, metabolic, hormonal and environmental factors contribute to its development, which prevalence is increasing in recent years. Childhood obesity predisposes to cardiovascular disease, as well as for possible orthopedic, pulmonary, gastroenterologic, dermatologic, psychiatric and endocrine sequelae. Therapy strategies should include dietary and physical activity management, behavior modification and family involvement, which may even include weight loss in the parents. Childhood overweight/obesity is an important risk factor for a range of chronic illness in the adult.