An integrated approach to the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity

Over the past half century, there has been a steady gain in new cases of childhood obesity, which has reached the scale of a non-communicable epidemic, especially in developed countries. All reasons for this trend are being discussed over the world. Due to the development of comorbid pathology leading to disability, and increase in premature death rate, the medical community faces many challenges in the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of obesity. The aim of the review is to identify evidence-based approaches to the prevention and treatment of obesity in children. Literature was searched in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google, RSCI, search depth of 10 years. Overweight and obesity are registered in 25.3% of cases, more often in 8 to 19 years children. To combat overweight and obesity in children measures are developed taking into account genetic, biological, psychological, behavioral, interpersonal factors, as well as environmental influences. There are described conceptual models explaining the mechanisms of overweight and obesity formation in children, which are taken into account when making recommendations for the introduction of healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle: biopsychosocial, theory of ecological systems, the “6 C” model, cascade. These models can be used to develop effective personalized programs for for weight gain prevention. Conclusion. To combat the epidemic of childhood obesity, it is necessary to apply an integrated approach, including prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, as well as the introduction of programs aimed at changing the lifestyle in children and their families. Reducing morbidity and preventing disability requires action at all levels, from families to government health programs.