[Childhood obesity prevention from a community view]. / La prevención de la obesidad infantil desde una perspectiva comunitaria.

The percentage of failure and relapse in the treatment of obesity is high. Where possible, the preferred strategy for preventing obesity is to modify eating habits and lifestyles. This article aims to provide a framework for evidence on the most effective interventions for addressing childhood obesity, both from a prevention point of view, as well as reducing it, when it is already established. After a review of the scientific literature, the issues that must be considered both in the universal and selective prevention of childhood obesity are presented. Also, in light of the controversy over the tools for measuring and controlling the problem, some clarification is provided on the criteria. Finally, the approach to the prevention of overweight and obesity with a community perspective is separated, with two short protocols being offered with diagrams of the basic procedure to follow.

La prevención de la obesidad infantil desde una perspectiva comunitaria / Childhood obesity prevention from a community view

El porcentaje de fracasos y recaídas en el tratamiento de la obesidad es alto. Siempre que sea posible, la prevención de la obesidad para modificar hábitos alimentarios y estilos de vida ha de ser la conducta preferente. Este trabajo pretender ofrecer un marco de evidencia sobre los componentes más efectivos de las intervenciones para el abordaje de la obesidad infantil, tanto de su prevención como de su reducción, cuando esta ya está instaurada. A partir de la literatura científica, se presentan los aspectos que debe contemplar la prevención, tanto universal como selectiva, de la obesidad infantil. Habida cuenta también de la controversia sobre los instrumentos de registro y control del problema, se aportan algunos criterios clarificadores. Finalmente, se diferencia el abordaje de la prevención del sobrepeso y la obesidad con una perspectiva comunitaria, ofreciéndose 2 protocolos breves que esquematizan un procedimiento básico a seguir

The percentage of failure and relapse in the treatment of obesity is high. Where possible, the preferred strategy for preventing obesity is to modify eating habits and lifestyles. This article aims to provide a framework for evidence on the most effective interventions for addressing childhood obesity, both from a prevention point of view, as well as reducing it, when it is already established. After a review of the scientific literature, the issues that must be considered both in the universal and selective prevention of childhood obesity are presented. Also, in light of the controversy over the tools for measuring and controlling the problem, some clarification is provided on the criteria. Finally, the approach to the prevention of overweight and obesity with a community perspective is separated, with two short protocols being offered with diagrams of the basic procedure to follow