Efforts to Address Childhood Obesity: A Literature Review

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a growing public health problem caused by unhealthy dietary patterns, excessive intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods, and insufficient physical activity. If not addressed early, childhood obesity may persist into adulthood and increase the risk of non-communicable diseases. Several non-pharmacological interventions have been proposed to prevent and manage childhood obesity, including self-control techniques, HAN therapy (hypnosis, physical activity, and nutrition), and FUN Water therapy. This literature review aimed to analyze efforts to address childhood obesity through self-control techniques, HAN therapy, and FUN Water therapy. This study employed a literature review design. Articles were collected from Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Indonesian National Library database. A total of 8,497 articles were identified using relevant keywords. After screening based on inclusion criteria full-text availability, relevance to childhood obesity interventions, publication years between 2015 and 2020, and Indonesian or English language nine articles were selected for review. The review showed that self-control techniques help children regulate eating behavior and physical activity, although maternal knowledge alone was not significantly associated with attitudes toward managing childhood obesity (p = .458). HAN therapy demonstrated positive outcomes in improving dietary patterns, increasing physical activity, and supporting healthy weight management through family involvement. FUN Water therapy was found to be an enjoyable physical activity that effectively increases energy expenditure and helps prevent overweight and obesity in children. Childhood obesity can be addressed through comprehensive behavioral and lifestyle interventions. Self-control techniques, HAN therapy, and FUN Water therapy are effective non-pharmacological approaches that can support obesity prevention and management in children when implemented consistently with family involvement.