Childhood obesity epidemic: More than just calories, a public health challenge and family problem

Childhood obesity has emerged as one of the most pressing global public health challenges of the twenty-first century, affecting children across socioeconomic, cultural, and geographic boundaries. Once considered a problem limited to high-income countries, childhood obesity is now rising rapidly in lowand middle-income nations, creating a dual burden of undernutrition and overnutrition. The condition is associated with significant short- and long-term health consequences, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, psychosocial distress, and premature mortality. Importantly, childhood obesity is not merely the result of excessive caloric intake or insufficient physical activity; rather, it is a complex, multifactorial condition shaped by biological, environmental, social, cultural, economic, and familial influences. This article examines childhood obesity as both a public health crisis and a family-centered problem, emphasizing that sustainable prevention and management require coordinated efforts across health systems, communities, schools, policymakers, and families. Evidence from the last decade is synthesized to explore epidemiology, determinants, health consequences, family dynamics, and effective prevention strategies. Eight figures and three tables are integrated to enhance conceptual understanding and highlight the multidimensional nature of the childhood obesity epidemic.