Childhood obesity and its cardiovascular implications: a current view

Abstract Obesity is a universal disease of increasing prevalence and currently assumes epidemiological characteristic, as a main public health issue in contemporary society. Results from genetic, behavioral and environmental factors and it may start at any age. However, obesity appears at early ages predisposes to its presence at later ages bringing several complications, particularly the development of cardiovascular disease. The analysis indicates that autonomic dysfunction seems to be presented among the majority of risk factors that develop this disease, suggesting the need for a deeper study of this mechanism in children population.(AU)