Obesidade infantil: uma epidemia à escala mundial

The worldwide prevalence and severity of obesity have increased in recent years, reaching epidemic proportions. Obesity, defined as an excess of body fat, is a disorder of multiple causes. It is believed that is a result of complex interaction between genes, environment and lifestyle, namely the high energy intake and the low physical activity levels. Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence, have a significant impact on both physical and psychological health, and if not treated increase the risk of obesity in adulthood. For these reasons, strategies of prevention and/or treatment of obesity should be encouraged. It is well known, that one of the best approaches to reduce childhood obesity is to improve the diet and exercise habits of child/adolescent and of the entire family.