Addressing Childhood Obesity Through Technology Innovation

Abstract

Childhood obesity has long-term consequences, emphasizing the need for comprehensive intervention. Research highlights a strong link between childhood obesity and adult obesity. Globally, the World Health Organization notes that overweight and obesity now claim more lives than underweight conditions. In 2016, an astonishing 41 million children under 5 were classified as overweight worldwide. In the United States, childhood obesity prevalence tripled since 1970, affecting 1 in 5 school-aged children by 2015-2016. This chapter advocates innovative technology-driven solutions to address childhood and adolescent obesity. The authors propose leveraging low-cost mobile health, remote monitoring, and wearable technologies, empowering individuals and healthcare providers to effectively manage obesity, offering personalized support and real-time data. Embracing these technologies can foster a transformative shift in obesity management, ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.