J Korean Med Assoc.  2021 Jun;64(6):401-409. 10.5124/jkma.2021.64.6.401.

Overview of pediatric obesity: diagnosis, epidemiology, and significance

• Kim JH

• KMID: 2516791
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2021.64.6.401

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of pediatric obesity has increased over the past several decades worldwide and in Korea. Childhood obesity has become a serious social problem.
Current Concepts
Diagnosis of obesity is based on body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents aged ≥2 years. Overweight and obese are defined as BMI ≥85th percentile to <95th percentile and BMI ≥95th percentile, respectively, corresponding to sex and age. Obesity is further classified as Class I (BMI ≥95th percentile to <120% of 95th percentile), Class II (BMI ≥120% of 95th percentile to <140% of 95th percentile), and Class III (BMI ≥140% of 95th percentile). Waist circumference and waist-height ratio are used to evaluate abdominal obesity. Pediatric obesity can cause childhood comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and hypertension. Adult obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other adult comorbidities, together with increased medical costs are additional consequences of pediatric obesity.
Discussion and Conclusion
Prevention, diagnosis, and proper management of pediatric obesity are important.

Keyword

Obesity; Child; Adolescent; Diagnosis; Epidemiology; 비만; 소아; 청소년; 진단; 역학