Abstract

The obesity observed between the ages of five-seventeen is defined as childhood obesity (CHO). The prevalence of CHO is increasing parellel to increasing obesity prevalence in developed and developing countries.
CHO as an important predictor of adult obesity, independently raises the premature morbidity and mortality due to chronic diseases. It is ascertained that 40% of adults who are currently obese, were also obese during their childhood.
CHO has particularly increased since the year of 2001. In developed countries it is observed in low and middle-income families whereas in developing countries it is seen in high-income families. Obesity is influenced by genetical, developmental and environmental factors. In last 30 years the prevalance of CHO is increasing although the prevalence changes between countries, it is about 30%.
In the development of CHO, genetical factors, pregnancy, intrauterine environment, and breast-feeding, age, gender, nutritional habits within in the family, puberty, physical activity, some of the drugs, and psychological factors play a role.
In the diagnosis of CHO, BMI-Z scores deveoped by the World Health Organization, the International Task Force of Obesity, and the US National Center for Health Statistics are used. But as the sociocultural and economical characteristics of each country, the national body mass index values are usually prefered.
For the protection from CHO, prevention is the easiest and most effective approach. Therefore, beginning from the primordial prevention, before and during pregnancy, healthy nutritional behaviours should be developed within the families, and this life-style should be enhanced in individual, institutional, and national levels within the colloboration of related sectors.

Key words: Childhood obesity, prevalence, effective factors

Article Language: Turkish English