Overweight in Children Aged 3-12: Causes, Effects, Prevention. Part 1. Lifestyle and Nutrition

Abstract

Introduction. Child overweight demonstrates a catastrophic spread across all economically developed countries of the world, despite global efforts for its prevention. The aim of this research paper was to analyze predictors of overweight, the consequences of its development, and approaches to its prevention in children.

Materials and Methods. To analyze the current state of knowledge on excess weight in children aged 3-12 years, materials from 168 literature sources from the PubMed database were used. The inclusion criteria for a source were representative samples and the availability of quantitative data for children in the age range from 3 to 12 years, characterizing one or another aspect of the problem of excess weight. The information search was conducted in the following areas: "preschool and primary school children", "overweight and/or obesity", "diet", "screen time", "sedentary lifestyle", "sleep quality", "physical (muscular) performance", "physical fitness", "physical (motor) activity", "environmental influence".

Results and discussion In Report 1, the role of low physical activity, distribution of time for different types of activity, improper diet, eating behavior, meal structure, and regularity was systematized.

Conclusion. The materials reviewed in Report 1 demonstrate the global distribution of overweight and obesity, and highlight the significant role of low physical activity in creating conditions for the development of overweight and metabolic syndrome in childhood. Even a slight reallocation of time during the day, with just a 10% increase in time spent on active movement, can alleviate the severity of the problem and prevent the development of overweight in significant segments of the child population. An improper diet, particularly the regular consumption of sweetened beverages by children, also contributes significantly to the development of overweight. Other aspects of the overweight problem in children, including the role of the environment, family, and socio-economic factors, will be discussed in Report 2.

Acknowledgements. The study was conducted under the state assignment of № 073-00070-25-03 от 29.05.2025

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