Prevention of childhood obesity from a bioethical perspective

José Luis Calderón Ortega; Arianna Omaña Covarrubias; Ana Teresa Nez Castro; Edwin Gualberto Barrón Calva; Regina Miroslava Sosa Hernández

doi:10.29057/mbr.v8i15.16141

Authors

José Luis Calderón Ortega Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2388-896X
Arianna Omaña Covarrubias Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8649-8617
Ana Teresa Nez Castro Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7530-7336
Edwin Gualberto Barrón Calva Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6581-7298
Regina Miroslava Sosa Hernández Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7857-6971

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29057/mbr.v8i15.16141

Keywords:

Childhood obesity, Prevention, Bioethics, Public Health, Interventios

Abstract

Childhood obesity is recognized as a global public health problem, so it is important to explore potential solutions from a different perspective, one that includes the ethics of treating children and the involuntary neglect of care by primary caregivers, which is often due to lack of knowledge. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze recent evidence on the prevention of childhood obesity and discuss its implications from a bioethical perspective.
A narrative review was conducted in PubMed and ProQuest using MeSH terms related to pediatric obesity, prevention, and interventions, filtering the last five years. Clinical trials, systematic reviews, and epidemiological data, as well as national surveys (ENSANUT 2022), were included.

Among the initial results, they report that childhood obesity is a multifactorial disease with metabolic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, hepatic, and psychosocial consequences. Interventions based on early nutritional education, family support, motivational interviewing, and school-based programs have proven effective in reducing prevalence and promoting healthy habits. However, they have limitations in long-term follow-up and adherence.
Preventing childhood obesity requires multidisciplinary, sustainable interventions grounded in the bioethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice. These interventions must protect the child's overall well-being, avoid stigmatization, and ensure equity, while actively involving caregivers to achieve a lasting impact.

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