15 February 2024 | Sebastian Ciężki, Emilia Odyjewska, Artur Bossowski, Barbara Glowińska-Olszewska
The increasing incidence of childhood obesity has raised concerns about its serious complications, which extend beyond the typical metabolic issues. Obesity, as a systemic disease, is associated with a range of non-metabolic complications, including cardiovascular diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome, chronic kidney disease, asthma, thyroid dysfunction, immunologic and dermatologic conditions, and mental health problems. These complications can affect multiple systems in the body and persist into adulthood. Obesity also exacerbates existing childhood diseases, leading to reduced quality of life and potentially shortened life expectancy. In pregnant obese women, these complications can affect their unborn children. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent obesity and manage its complications early and effectively. The review highlights the importance of a holistic approach to treating obesity in children, addressing both metabolic and non-metabolic aspects. Key metabolic complications include insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Non-metabolic complications involve cardiovascular consequences, cardiomyopathy, endocrine and gynecological issues, respiratory complications, and other health problems. The article emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions to prevent and treat obesity and its complications, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention.The increasing incidence of childhood obesity has raised concerns about its serious complications, which extend beyond the typical metabolic issues. Obesity, as a systemic disease, is associated with a range of non-metabolic complications, including cardiovascular diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome, chronic kidney disease, asthma, thyroid dysfunction, immunologic and dermatologic conditions, and mental health problems. These complications can affect multiple systems in the body and persist into adulthood. Obesity also exacerbates existing childhood diseases, leading to reduced quality of life and potentially shortened life expectancy. In pregnant obese women, these complications can affect their unborn children. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent obesity and manage its complications early and effectively. The review highlights the importance of a holistic approach to treating obesity in children, addressing both metabolic and non-metabolic aspects. Key metabolic complications include insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Non-metabolic complications involve cardiovascular consequences, cardiomyopathy, endocrine and gynecological issues, respiratory complications, and other health problems. The article emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions to prevent and treat obesity and its complications, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention.