ABSTRACT
To conclude with some final comments, it is necessary to remember that there are numerous unanswered questions and unsolved problems, mainly due to the multifactorial nature of obesity. First, the role of both endo-and exogenous environmental factors in the onset and development of obesity during growth has not yet been satisfactorily elucidated. This applies in spite of extensive research that has been conducted during recent years — for example, to consider genetic, hormonal, and social factors that may explain the origin and development of obesity. These issues have been investigated in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. The latter set of studies have provided the most valuable information; however, definite conclusions cannot be defined yet. Further studies concerning other key factors such as diet and physical activity have also been conducted. It is certainly the case that the problem of childhood obesity cannot be solved by a single-factor analysis. In addition, mutual relationships between the influences of various factors over time may also play very important roles. Despite significant advances in our understanding, it is necessary to consider that there may be more that is left to be explained and solved than has been elucidated to date.
