Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and adolescents in the last decade. Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. There is no single or simple solution to the childhood obesity epidemic, but to learn that obesity is closely related to lifestyle factors including poor fitness and physical inactivity as well as prolonged sitting time in conjunction with westernized dietary habits. In addition to a healthy and balanced diet, promotion of physical activity combined with carefully supervised resistance exercise training, and reduced screen time is a primary recommendation for the prevention and treatment of obesity in children and adolescents. This review provides evidence based data to support this multiple-step physical activity strategy as the most effective and preventive means against childhood obesity.

Keywords: Obesity, Metabolic syndrome, Childhood, Physical activity, Dietary habit

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