Obesidad y sus comorbilidades en niños. Revisión bibliográfica

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is the abnormal or excessive fat accumulation concerning height. It presents a health risk due to the biopsychosocial complications it generates, which allows it to be classified as a chronic, non-communicable, multi-causal, relapsing, and progressive disease that causes a worldwide public health problem. Objective: To describe comorbidities in children with obesity. Methodology: The study was developed under the design of a literature review in repositories of indexed journals, using DeCS/MeSH search engines, such as pediatric obesity and childhood obesity, combined with comorbidity and biological, environmental, and social, by the previously established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Twenty-five scientific articles were investigated to identify clinical and biochemical comorbidities, anthropometric alterations, body mass composition, hepatic and central adiposity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiac lesions. Biological, environmental, and social risk factors as predictors of childhood obesity are related to congenital, hereditary, metabolic, cultural, behavioral, socioeconomic, and educational areas that together limit access to healthy nutrition and food. Conclusion: Childhood obesity is associated with a wide range of comorbidities that require effective and focused action to control biological, environmental, and social determinants. Therefore, addressing these influences from an early age and providing a favorable environment for healthy habits can contribute to its prevention, achieving full and integral development and generating a better quality of life from pediatric clinical practices.