Group of Innovative Approaches to Obesity in Children and Youth
Obesity can be defined as an uncontrolled increase in
fat tissue in the body as a result of the energy intake being more than energy
expenditure. There are many causes of obesity, and improper eating habits,
inadequate physical activity, exposure to several endocrine-disrupting
chemicals are the leading ones.
The primary approach in preventing obesity is to
improve nutritional habits, to provide adequate physical activity and to make
these habits sustainable. In this context, health screening and periodic
hospital visits for early diagnosis and intervention come to the fore. Under
the supervision of expert teams, individualized diet applications, exercise
programs and behavioral changes related to healthy living should be put into
practice with multidisciplinary approach. In addition, there are tendencies
such as unhealthy eating behaviors, risk taking and opposing authority,
especially in adolescence. Children and youth at risk may need to receive
psychotherapy to alter their established basic cognitive schemes and negative
thoughts by evaluating in terms of a probable psychological trauma that may
constitute a basis for their susceptibility to obesity. After providing this
support and achieving success in weight control, studies to increase their
psychological resilience and flexibility should be performed for the
sustainability of these gains. Medical and surgical interventions within the
scope of tertiary protection are not preferred unless it is medically necessary
in childhood. For this reason, preventive approaches and rehabilitation
constitute the main objective in preventing obesity in children and young
people.