Evolutionary origins of childhood obesity

Over the past century, humanity has made significant breakthroughs in medicine, opening new horizons in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Obesity among children and adolescents remains one of the major pediatric issues. Delayed diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of childhood obesity can lead to serious health problems in later life, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and, at times, contribute to cognitive impairments and cancers, negatively impacting health and quality of life while shortening lifespan. The roots of childhood obesity lie long before birth. Parental health and nutrition before conception, the health and diet of expectant mothers during pregnancy, and the organization of children’s nutrition after birth — especially in early childhood and adolescence — can program metabolic disorders and obesity in children, along with associated diseases.