Adult obesity and its complications: a pediatric disease?

Purpose of review Approximately 2.6 million people die each year secondary to obesity related diseases. The risk of developing serious comorbidities depends on the age of onset as well as duration of obesity. In this review, we discuss trends in BMI trajectories from early childhood to adulthood with latest evidence on comorbidities in adulthood stemming from pediatric obesity and benefits of early intervention and treatment in childhood obesity. Recent findings Childhood obesity poses high risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and some types of cancer in adulthood. Early life obesity also increases risks of developing menstrual irregularities, infertility, and pregnancy complications. Several grave concerns including malignancies, autoimmune disorders, higher asthma morbidity, and psychiatric implications are found to be associated with childhood obesity. Disease outcomes can be transgenerational, causing suboptimal health in children of mothers with obesity. Encouragingly, many risks associated with childhood obesity can be reduced, delayed, or even reversed by early resolution of obesity necessitating close BMI monitoring and treatment early. Summary Early identification and aggressive management of childhood obesity is critical in prevention of debilitating comorbidities in adult life. Video abstract

Automated summary

Childhood obesity is associated with increased risks of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood, as well as other complications such as menstrual irregularities, infertility, and psychiatric disorders. Early intervention and treatment can help reduce, delay, or even reverse these risks, highlighting the importance of early identification and management of childhood obesity to prevent debilitating comorbidities in adulthood.