Childhood Obesity – A 21st Century Epidemic

Abstract

Obesity is a multifactorial disease, and in 1997 the WHO officially recognized it as a global problem. In recent decades, childhood obesity has become one of the most serious health issues of the 21st century. It affects millions of children worldwide, regardless of geographic region, economic development, or social status. The aim of the present study is to analyze the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of childhood obesity in both global and national contexts, and to present effective strategies for prevention and control. Methodology:
Documentary method – Analysis of results from international studies on trends in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5–19 years for the period 1990–2024, published in official sources; comparative analysis of childhood obesity trends at global and national levels; and analysis of interventions and good practices in child healthcare aimed at preventing and overcoming childhood obesity. Results:Data from the WHO and UNICEF (2023) show that between 1990 and 2022, the number of children and adolescents aged 5–19 with overweight increased more than threefold—from about 120 million to over 390 million, including 160 million with obesity. Bulgaria is among the European countries with the highest prevalence of childhood obesity, along with Greece, Italy, and Spain. Studies in Bulgaria and across Europe highlight five main categories of factors causally linked to childhood obesity: dietary habits, physical inactivity, socio-economic factors, psychological factors, and genetic predisposition.

Conclusion: In conclusion, childhood obesity is emerging as one of the most serious health threats of the 21st century. Data from the last three decades clearly demonstrate that the problem is global, multifactorial, and long-term in nature, with significant implications for health, quality of life, and the economy of society.