Classification of childhood obesity

Abstract

Importance of the Problem: obesity in childhood and adolescence is currently considered a serious public health problem with a growing prevalence worldwide. Objective: to update the classification of child and adolescent obesity originally published in 2004, incorporating the new scientific evidence. Methods: a review of the Scientific Literature that addressing etiopathogenic factors of obesity, in order to improve the previously published classification including the new scientific knowledge. Results: a classification that suggests as the first strategy the definition of the presence of peripheral resistance to insulin and then suggests the division into four subgroups of obesity: syndromic, epigenetic, induced (endocrinological, neurological, sleep disorders, drugs and infectious agents) and classical (somatic and psychosocial). Conclusion: this classification could help the clinicians to make decisions and to personalize the treatment.