Childhood obesity: a pandemic of the twenty-first century.

BACKGROUND: The researchers and clinicians need to gain a better understanding of the social and environmental contexts by which childhood obesity is becoming a growing problem of twenty-first century and develop more efficacious methods of prevention and treatment.
METHODS: Summary of the actions and achievements of the European Childhood Obesity Group (ECOG) since its foundation in 1991 until the 16th anniversary. Review of the sessions of the 16th ECOG workshop devoted to epidemiology, prevention, risk factors, comorbidities and treatment of childhood and adolescent obesity.
RESULTS: Meta-analysis of epidemiological data on childhood obesity in Europe underscores an urgent need of preventive actions in which general practitioners may play an important role. Media should get actively involved in promotion of healthy lifestyle. Metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, diabetes type 2 and sleep apnoea syndrome are becoming more common in obese adolescents. In morbid obesity with severe comorbidities, more aggressive ways of treatment may be considered.
CONCLUSIONS: European Childhood Obesity Group members should get actively involved into targeted prevention and intervention project to promote healthy lifestyle and successful weight control.