Enhancing childhood obesity management: implementing an obesity registry for Iranian children and adolescents.

PURPOSE

The rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents is a global public health issue. This trend has led to increased obesity-related comorbidities and a higher risk of adulthood obesity in this sensitive population. This study aims to establish the first obesity registry for Iranian children and adolescents to enhance the understanding of pediatric obesity and its determinants and consequents.

METHODS

We intended to establish a detailed registry for pediatric obesity in Iran, focusing on epidemiological, demographic, and clinical aspects, as well as evaluating various interventions and outcomes. The study will enroll eligible children aged 2 to 17 years with gender- and age-specific BMI > 85th percentile. The initial phase will involve the collaboration of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)-affiliated children's hospitals, aiming to register at least 1200 patients over three years (2023-2026). Data collection will include demographic information, medical and medication history, family history, lifestyle behaviors, quality of life, behavioral and psychological assessments, physical examinations, anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, and obesity-related outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The goal of this registry is to gather extensive information on the factors influencing the occurrence, management, and treatment of obesity and overweight among children and adolescents at individual, family, and community levels. This extensive data is expected to facilitate improvements in health outcomes and behaviors related to obesity and to provide a solid foundation for future research in this field.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-024-01467-7.