FAMILY AND BEHAVIORAL DETERMINANTS RELATED TO OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

 Introduction: Childhood and adolescent obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease with increasing prevalence and repercussions throughout life. Its relevance as a public health problem underscores the need to understand modifiable factors within the family environment to guide prevention and care strategies. Objective: To analyze the influence of family dynamics and habits on the development of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Methods: Systematic review of observational studies published between June 2013 and December 2025, identified in PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and LILACS, with backward citation searching. The starting point corresponded to the recognition of obesity as a chronic disease by the American Medical Association in June 2013. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Results: Of the 700 records identified, nine quantitative studies comprised the final sample. Restrictive feeding practices were associated with higher body mass index in some studies, whereas greater parental involvement was associated with lower body mass index; others found no direct association. Food insecurity was associated with more controlling parental practices. Greater screen exposure, sedentary behavior, and unhealthy dietary habits were associated with unfavorable weight-related conditions. Conversely, parental support for physical activity, availability of sports equipment, and rules regarding media use favored more active behaviors. Parental obesity and a family history of obesity were associated with excess weight, whereas longer duration of breastfeeding showed a favorable association. Conclusion: Family and behavioral factors are associated with excess weight through different mechanisms, reinforcing the importance of preventive strategies involving children, adolescents, and their caregivers.