The Effect of Eating Habits and Physical Activity on Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity continues to increase globally in both developed and developing countries, leading to debilitating chronic diseases. Chilldhood obesity has quadrupled in the last four decades, and obesity complications and comorbidities are no longer adult diseases, but are becoming highly prevalent among children and adolescents, especially diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver and cardiorespiratory diseases. Interventions at all levels are needed, especially lifestyle-related interventions.

This Special Issue aims to bring research on lifestyle obesity interventions to the forefront. Nutritional eating behaviour and physical activity are the two modifiable factors towards a disease-free life. Interventions aimed at modifying diets, nutritional supplementation, alone or with modifying physical activity or exercise, are a contemporary scientific issue across the lifespan from childhood to older age. Therefore, we welcome submissions in any of these areas, including understanding obesity determinants in early years and intervention physical activity/exercise approaches.

Childhood obesity-preventative interventions the home, school, healthcare and community settings can be effective. Evidence suggests that interventions must target the appropriate developmental stage and ideally include multiple components (e.g. nutrition and physical activity) and settings or levels (e.g., family, school, policy, neighbourhood environment). Obesity interventions help ameliorate physiological-based risks of obesity, including metabolic, hormonal and immunological adversities.