Applying the principles of 5P medicine to the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity: from genetic prediction to precision therapy (review)

Abstract

Objective — to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-aged children living in a frontline city in order to identify the main areas for preventive interventions. Materials and methods. In 2024–2025, comprehensive preventive medical examinations were conducted among schoolchildren in Kharkiv, including 611 students attending an underground school and 53 students attending a metro school. The examinations were performed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians. Children’s physical development was assessed in accordance with current regulations of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine using body mass index (BMI) indicators. In addition, a survey of 309 parents (guardians) was conducted to assess their children’s health status and the characteristics of healthcare provision under wartime conditions. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 17.0. Results and discussion. A high prevalence of overweight and obesity was identified among schoolchildren in the frontline region. Among primary school students attending the metro school, obesity was diagnosed in 23.1 % of children and overweight in 3.8 %. Among students attending the underground school, overweight was identified in 18 % and obesity in 17 %. The highest prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed among schoolchildren aged 10—14 years. Obesity was significantly more common among boys of primary and middle school age than among girls in the corresponding age groups. A low level of parental awareness of their children’s health status was identified: only 6 % of parents reported that their child had health complaints, whereas 80 % considered their children healthy. During preventive medical examinations, 91 % of the identified endocrine disorders were diagnosed for the first time, indicating insufficient coverage of children by preventive health examinations during the war and limited parental awareness. Conclusions. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among schoolchildren in the frontline region remains high and is consistent with global trends. The findings confirm the need to improve the system of preventive medical examinations, implement preventive and therapeutic programs for children with abnormal body weight, and provide educational activities for parents, teachers, and school psychologists on the prevention of overweight and obesity. The problem of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents should be addressed at the national level, taking into account the experience of other countries in tackling this issue.