Obesity in Children and Adolescents, Prevalence and its Consequences on the Respiratory, Circulatory and Musculoskeletal Systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2026.15.04.4Keywords:
Metabolic dysfunction, Inflammatory markers, Physical inactivity, Endothelial dysfunction, Motor coordination, Sleep apneaAbstract
Background: This study aimed to summarize and analyze data from 2020 to the first half of 2025 on obesity in children and adolescents in Poland, focusing on its prevalence, pathogenesis, and consequences for the respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems.
Methods: The work synthesizes results from 52 studies conducted in Poland and abroad, applying epidemiological, clinical, functional, and molecular approaches.
Findings: The findings confirm a rising prevalence of childhood obesity in Poland, with gender and regional disparities: overweight prevalence reaches 32-36%, obesity- 12-14%, with higher rates in rural areas and among boys. Pathogenetically, key roles are played by neuroendocrine dysregulation of appetite, insulin resistance, and socio-economic and genetic influences. Respiratory effects include reduced lung capacity, impaired ventilation, high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (13-59%), and aggravated asthma with heightened inflammation and reduced treatment efficacy. Cardiovascular issues affect about 6% of adolescents with hypertension, alongside early endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and myocardial hypertrophy linked to insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. Musculoskeletal consequences include joint overload, postural defects, flat feet, impairedmotor coordination, and decreased quality of life, with 30-60% of obese children showing such dysfunctions.
Conclusions: These results highlight the urgency of early detection and multidisciplinary management of pediatric obesity, integrating national and sociocultural considerations in Poland.
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