European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety

Childhood obesity has emerged as a significant public health challenge. This review aims to synthesise existing evidence on the major risk factors contributing to the development of childhood obesity while highlighting its medical and psychological consequences. The studies examined in this review indicate that childhood obesity can result from multiple factors, including genetics, dietary habits, sleep patterns, parental influences and perceptions, socioeconomic status, and geographical factors. A substantial genetic influence has been identified, involving various polymorphic genes and candidate loci across the genome. Moreover, obesity can arise from interactions between genetic factors and obesogenic environmental conditions. Poor dietary habits, including the consumption of fast food, sugar-sweetened beverages, frequent snacking, and excessive portion sizes, also increase the risk of childhood obesity. Other lifestyle factors, such as low levels of physical activity, excessive screen time, and poor sleep patterns, contribute to the problem either independently or in combination. The influence of parental perceptions, socioeconomic status, and geographical factors on children’s body-weight status has also been demonstrated in the literature. Furthermore, several medical complications, such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, and orthopaedic disorders, are linked to childhood obesity. In addition, childhood obesity is associated with poor self-esteem, increased anxiety, peer victimisation, lower academic achievement, and negative self-perception of body image. Effective strategies and interventions are required to address this public health challenge. Coordinated efforts involving families, schools, and social media are required to address the issue effectively.