Charting the Fight Against Childhood Obesity - A Comprehensive Bibliometric and Visual Analysis

BACKGROUND Childhood obesity is a critical public health challenge marked by a rapid rise in prevalence over recent decades. The multifactorial nature of obesity, driven by dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors, has prompted an increase in global research efforts. Bibliometric and visual analysis provide insights into research trends, influential publications, and collaborative networks, helping shape future directions for addressing this issue. METHODS A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 369 relevant publications on childhood obesity was conducted using SCOPUS data from 2007 to 2024. Initial search terms focused on variations of “Childhood” and “Obesity” combined with “Prevention” and “Intervention.” Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software were utilized for visual and network analyses, mapping research trends, identifying key contributors, and analysing collaborative networks among authors, institutions, and countries. RESULTS The study identified key research trends, revealing a significant growth in publication output from 1999 to 2017, followed by a decline in recent years. The USA, Australia, and the UK were the leading contributors, with strong collaborative networks across countries. BMC Public Health and Obesity Reviews emerged as the most prolific journals, while Messiah SE, Ward DS, and Story M were the most influential authors. Thematic analysis highlighted shifts from traditional prevention strategies to multifaceted approaches, including behavioral and policy interventions. CONCLUSIONS The bibliometric and visual analysis of childhood obesity research underscores the need for continued focus on prevention, collaboration, and integrated strategies. The findings suggest that although progress has been made, future research should prioritize interdisciplinary and international efforts to address the complex determinants of childhood obesity.