[Screening for the risk of childhood overweight and obesity].

Childhood overweight and obesity have become a public health issue due to the many associated complications that cause morbidity and a major cost to society. About half of obese children will remain obese as adults, and this risk increases sharply if obesity persists into adolescence. The "first 1000 days" period from conception to two years of age is a pivotal period for long-term metabolic risk. During this period of vulnerability, several maternal and obstetric risk factors have been identified to be associated with overweight and childhood obesity. The identification of children at risk of developing obesity should allow preventive actions, based on the support of families in the establishment of healthy behaviours from an early age.