Childhood Obesity Research: A Synthetic Scoping Review

Abstract

Obesity related adverse health effects have since long been recognized in adults, however it is now understood that they may have roots in early childhood. Childhood obesity is an important area of paediatric research, extending across various research fields. In order to successfully combat childhood obesity epidemics, a multi-level and multi – sector interventions are needed. To support them, a repository, reflecting current ideas, concepts, methods, and findings found in childhood obesity research literature should be created. In our opinion, such a repository could be implemented in the form of a scientific landscape. Six research topics were identified in such a landscape: Childhood obesity risk factors, Childhood obesity definitions, Prevention measures, Pregnancy related obesity, Childhood obesity and Genetic disorders and childhood obesity. The landscape shows what we have learned since 1922 about approaches to prevent, diagnose and treat childhood obesity.

Keywords: Obesity, Children, Bibliometric Mapping

JEL Classification: I10