New possibilities for treating obesity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13112/pc.1168Keywords:
Obesity; Child; Adolescent; Therapeutics; Obesity ManagementAbstract
Childhood obesity is a major public health problem of the 21st century worldwide. Today, childhood obesity is considered a chronic, relapsing disease that begins with unnecessary accumulation of adipose tissue, excessive weight gain, the development of serious comorbidities, and a decrease in quality of life and shortened life expectancy. The most commonly mentioned comorbidities are type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia, but there are also many other negative health consequences (orthopedic, pulmonary, gynecological, etc.). The etiology of obesity is multifactorial and includes genetic predisposition, environmental factors, socio-economic and behavioral factors. Childhood obesity often continues into adolescence, but it also increases the risk of obesity in adulthood. Treatment of obesity in children includes various treatment modalities. These are changes in health behavior and lifestyle, pharmacological, psychological, motivational, metabolic, and surgical interventions. The first step in treatment is considered to be a change in health behavior and lifestyle. This intervention includes nutritional support aimed at changing irregular and establishing long-term correct eating habits, and can be combined with drug and surgical treatment. The addition of anti-obesity medications to an intervention that affects health behavior and lifestyle is considered a step that should be taken immediately after the diagnosis of obesity. Together, these two treatment modalities show promise in achieving effective obesity management. The use of anti-obesity medications in children must be rational because there is still insufficient knowledge about the impact of these medications on the growth and development of the child. Effective treatment of obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach that addresses not only physical aspects but also socioeconomic and other factors, as well as overcoming the obstacles that exist in treating obesity in children.
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