Introduction. The usual approach when defining the fundamental etiology of obesity is to consider the energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended as the main determinant factor in the pathogenesis of weight excess [1]. In recent times, considerable scientific efforts have been made, however, to provide nuance regarding the inner workings of the exact mechanisms that lead to the development of obesity [2]. One direction for research has revolved around the factors regarding childhood obesity – an illness which is escalating globally [3, 4]. There is a well-documented relation between developing a weight excess in childhood and adult obesity [5], as a majority of overweight adults have in fact retained this status since childhood [6]. Preventive action against obesity is dependent upon the understanding of its determinant factors. These factors represent targets upon which to act in order to attempt to minimize the impact of this global disease. Aim of the study. To provide an overview of the current literature regarding the main determinant factors of childhood obesity and identify potential targets for preventive measures in this respect. Material and methods. We performed literature searches using the Medline/ PubMed databases and referred to international guidelines where applicable. Results and conclusions. The intricate interactions between environment and genotype can reveal a series of cruci