Epidemic of Childhood Obesity: Path to Chronic Diseases.

By Julia Haimovich, Accredited Practicing Dietitian.

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Epidemic of Childhood Obesity: Path to Chronic Diseases.

Childhood obesity is becoming an increasingly serious problem in the modern world, and its consequences have a devastating impact on the health of our future generation.
Detailed studies show that excess weight in childhood not only leads to aesthetic issues

but also becomes a major risk factor for the development of serious chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and hypertension. 1

Research indicates that childhood obesity jeopardises health in adulthood. Adipocyte hypertrophy, or enlargement of fat cells, plays a key role in this process. Increased adipose tissue produces inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and interleukins, which, in turn, contribute to the development of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and other chronic diseases. 1,2

The biological mechanisms underlying childhood obesity are often linked to genetics and the environment. Genes regulating metabolism and predisposition to fat accumulation may predispose to obesity. Additionally, diet, lifestyle, and other external factors can significantly influence the development of this condition. 3

Hormonal imbalances, such as insulin, leptin, and adiponectin, are evident at the molecular level. These hormones regulate the body’s appetite, metabolism, and energy distribution.

Disruption of their functions can lead to increased appetite, decreased satiety, and fat accumulation. 4

Myo-inositol during pregnancy emerges as a promising method to reduce the risk of obesity in children. Studies show that expectant mothers incorporating Myo-inositol into

their prenatal regimen may provide protective benefits to their children. Scientific data indicate a link between maternal Myo-inositol intake and a reduced likelihood of obesity

in children. This underscores the potential value of inositol as a preventive measure against obesity-related issues later in life. Further investigation of the mechanisms

underlying this connection is needed to understand better the impact of myo-inositol intake on children’s long-term health outcomes. 5

Childhood obesity is not just a matter of appearance or social adaptation. It is a serious condition that jeopardises the health and well-being of children and future adults. Early

intervention and prevention can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases and improve the quality of life for our society.

References:

1. Reinehr, T., & Wabitsch, M. (2011). Childhood obesity. Current opinion in
   lipidology, 22(1), 21–25. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOL.0b013e32833f9c37
2. Franks, P. W., Hanson, R. L., Knowler, W. C., Sievers, M. L., Bennett, P. H., & Looker,
   H. C. (2010). Childhood obesity, other cardiovascular risk factors, and premature
   death. The New England journal of medicine, 362(6), 485–493.
   https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa0904130
3. Blüher M. (2009). Adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity. Experimental and clinical
   endocrinology & diabetes : official journal, German Society of Endocrinology [and]
   German Diabetes Association, 117(6), 241–250. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1192044
4. Rosen, E. D., & Spiegelman, B. M. (2014). What we talk about when we talk about
   fat. Cell, 156(1-2), 20–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2013.12.012
5. Lyons-Reid, J., Derraik, J.G.B., Kenealy, T. et al.Impact of preconception and
   antenatal supplementation with myo-inositol, probiotics, and micronutrients on offspring
   BMI and weight gain over the first 2 years. BMC Med 22, 39 (2024).
   https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-024-03246-w