Pediatric Obesity: Primary Care Perspective and Prevention

Abstract

In 1997, the World Health Organization declared obesity a global epidemic. Despite multiple efforts, obesity rates have been exponentially increasing for the past few decades. In the last few years, obesity rates have reached an alarming number. Multiple factors play a role in pediatric obesity, such as diet, sedentarism, and poor sleep, as well as psychosocial and environmental factors. Pediatricians and primary care providers are key in the management of overweight and obesity. They have the advantage of observing children over a long period of time, having a family centered perspective, and often being seen as a reliable source of information. Studies have shown that not only is obesity underdiagnosed, but there is a lack of knowledge among physicians and available resources regarding pediatric obesity. This article reviews the principles of prevention in a primary care outpatient setting. Additionally, it discusses some of the challenges commonly faced when addressing pediatric obesity. [ Pediatr Ann . 2023;52(2):e51–e56.]