The role of pediatricians in obesity prevention

WHO considers obesity a global epidemy since 1998. It is a major public health issue in western societies where the standard of living, lifestyles and mass media invite to consume high energy density foods. Environmental factors play an important role in the increasing prevalence rates of obesity. Limited practice of regular physical activity along increased consumption levels of foods of high caloric content among children explain to a great extent this growing rates. Apart from obesity associated comorbidites, being and obese child das high emotional and psychological distress. Prevention is the best treatment for childhood obesity and should start from early stages of life, following pediatric advice from infancy, focused in supporting healthier eating practices and physical activity as well as helping change of obesogenic habits. The main objective is to encourage variety and balance in the diet, adequate for growth and development of the child, maintain body weight in the adequate range and optimal health at all ages. Education, research and intervention should be involved in the management and prevention of children obesity. Education should be targeted to family, community, school, health and political environment as well as the industry.