How Has the Approach to Treating Childhood Obesity Changed in Recent Years: Literature Review

Abstract

Overweight and obesity in children represent a serious global problem, with prevalence rates rising steadily in both developed and developing countries. Effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity require a comprehensive approach that takes into account individual, family, social and educational aspects. This forms the basis for the treatment of childhood obesity. Guidelines recommend such an intensive approach as first-line treatment, but in practice this is limited due to the time required, specialist resources and family involvement. Although lifestyle interventions are a key strategy for treating obesity, metabolic and bariatric surgery has become a treatment option for severe obesity. Obesity has come to be regarded as a chronic condition requiring long-term management. The importance of psychological factors and quality of life has increased, and new therapeutic options have emerged – pharmacotherapies that enable tangible improvements in patients’ health.  This study presents the current state of knowledge about childhood obesity and describes changes in its treatment, with particular emphasis on pharmacotherapy. The review was conducted using PubMed and supplementary Google Scholar. Studies from 2021 to 2026 were analyzed. Solving the problem of childhood obesity requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account not only biological and environmental factors, but also behavioral factors influencing children's eating behavior, physical activity levels, as well as early initiation of pharmacotherapy.  A good response to childhood obesity treatment was associated with reduced long-term morbidity. Nowadays, more attention is paid to the early implementation of treatment for obesity in children. Pharmacotherapy is a promising group of compounds with significant preventive and therapeutic potential in childhood obesity. Well-designed, large-scale clinical trials are necessary to confirm their effectiveness and safety.