School-age Children Obesity: Causes and Prevention

Abstract

This article aimed to discuss the basics of obesity in school-age  children and the policies for preventing obesity in Thailand and other countries. The tendency of prevalence in childhood obesity  is  rising  worldwide.  For example,  the prevalence in  United  States of  America  in 2015  -  2016  was 18.4% whereas Thailand in 2014  was 13.9%. School-age  children with obesity are more likely to become obese adults with increasing chances of developing adverse psychological,  social,  and health consequences such as cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension and low  self-esteem.  Obesity is caused by multiple factors, including genetics,  behavior, and environmental factors. Previous studies have assessed the relationship between obesity and various circulating adipokines secreted by adipocytes to serve as biomarker of obesity. However, the prevention of obesity will be easier than treating obesity after it has already developed. The preventive policies for obesity including sugary drink tax and front of package labelling currently used in some countries, have not been definitely evaluated. Hence, the comprehensive prevention and management of obesity with the incorporation of all sectors,  including children, parents, and government agencies  may sustain a reduction in the prevalence of obesity especially in childhood.