Childhood Overweight: An Alarming Reality
Childhood obesity is currently recognized as a global pandemic, particularly in developed countries, and has been rising steadily in developing nations as well. This condition is associated with various medical complications such as hypertension, dislipidemia, insulin resistance, and orthopaedic problems, and contributes significantly to increased morbidity and premature mortality. ¹⁻⁴
Causes and Risk Factors
The causes of childhood and adolescent overweight are complex and multifactorial, resulting from an interaction between genetic, metabolic, behavioural, environmental, and socioeconomic factors.8,11
In simplified terms, overweight occurs when there is an energy imbalance, when caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure, leading to excessive fat accumulation. However, this imbalance is often exacerbated by obesogenic behaviours, such as⁸,¹¹:
• High consumption of ultra-processed foods: rich in saturated fats, added sugars, and salt
• Frequent intake of sugary beverages
• Low levels of physical activity
• Prolonged sedentary behaviour, often associated with excessive screen time (TV, tablets, smartphones, video games)
• Inadequate sleep patterns (short or irregular sleep)
• Irregular meals and frequent snacking, especially at night
Studies show that excessive screen time is not only linked to sedentary behaviour but is also associated with higher consumption of fast food and sugary drinks, and lower intake of fruits and vegetables. This behaviour is further influenced by frequent exposure to advertising of unhealthy foods.10,11
In addition, poor sleep habits affect appetite-regulating hormones by increasing ghrelin (hunger hormone) and decreasing leptin (satiety hormone) levels, which may promote excessive food intake. ¹¹
Psychosocial Impact
Children with overweight often face emotional and social challenges. Discrimination, bullying, low self-esteem, and social isolation are common and negatively affect a child’s psychological well-being, academic performance, and overall quality of life. ⁹
Prevention and Treatment Approaches
The treatment of childhood overweight must be multidisciplinary, child- and family-centred, and based on sustainable lifestyle changes. The main strategies include: ⁵⁻⁷
• Dietary modification: Promote a balanced diet with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. Reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks.
• Regular physical activity: Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
• Behavioural modification: Work with the child and family to develop healthy and consistent eating habits, establish routines, and strengthen motivation and self-esteem.
• Nutrition education in schools: Integrate practical and engaging content that involves children and parents.
• Healthy family environment: Parents are key role models. It is essential to involve the whole family in adopting healthy behaviours.
• Screen time regulation: Limit screen time to less than 2 hours per day and avoid electronic devices in bedrooms.
• Improved sleep patterns: Set consistent sleep and wake times, avoiding blue light and digital stimulation before bedtime.
• Community spaces and activities: Create safe and attractive environments for outdoor play and active social interaction.
• Professional follow-up: In more severe cases or when lifestyle interventions are ineffective, pharmacotherapy or, in exceptional cases, bariatric surgery may be considered under strict medical supervision.
Conclusion
Tackling childhood overweight requires an integrated approach involving not only health professionals, but also families, schools, and the wider community. At Oh!MySnacks, we are committed to personalized nutrition and nutrition education for children, developing balanced snacks tailored to their preferences, needs, and goals. We believe that by combining science, innovation, and the joy of healthy eating, we are actively contributing to the development of healthier, more conscious, and better-nourished generations.
Examples of Oh!My Snacks for Kids:
- Cocoa biscuits for kids
- Cocoa coated pea protein balls with peanut cream
-
Raw protein bar with nuts and red berries
- Pie with Berries
- Salty fusion cheese olive rice edition
- Salty fusion pizza addicted
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). Obesity and overweight: Fact sheet [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2024
- Direção-Geral da Saúde (DGS). Programa Nacional para a Promoção da Alimentação Saudável – Relatório 2023
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA). Inquérito Alimentar Nacional e de Atividade Física (IAN-AF 2015-2016)
- World Obesity Federation. World Obesity Atlas 2023 [Internet]. London: WOF; 2023
- Lobstein T, Jackson-Leach R. Planning for the worst: estimates of obesity and comorbidities in school-age children in 2030. Pediatr Obes. 2022;17(2):e12959. doi:10.1111/ijpo.12959
- Barlow SE; Expert Committee. Expert committee recommendations regarding the prevention, assessment, and treatment of child and adolescent overweight and obesity: Summary report. Pediatrics. 2007 Dec;120(Suppl 4):S164–92. doi:10.1542/peds.2007-2329C
- American Academy of Pediatrics. HealthyChildren.org: How to prevent childhood obesity [Internet]. Elk Grove Village: AAP
- Leung AKC, Wong AHC, Hon KL. Childhood Obesity: An Updated Review. Curr Pediatr Rev. 2024;20(1):2-26. doi:10.2174/1573396318666220801093225
- Motevalli M, Drenowatz C, Tanous DR, Khan NA, Wirnitzer K. Management of Childhood Obesity-Time to Shift from Generalized to Personalized Intervention Strategies. Nutrients. 2021 Apr 6;13(4):1200. doi:10.3390/nu13041200
- Fang K, Mu M, Liu K, He Y. Screen time and childhood overweight/obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Child Care Health Dev. 2019 Sep;45(5):744-753. doi:10.1111/cch.12701
- Smith JD, Fu E, Kobayashi MA. Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity and Its Psychological and Health Comorbidities. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2020 May 7;16:351-378. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-100219-060201