Prevalence of childhood obesity is progressively increasing, reaching worldwide levels of 5.6% in girls and of 7.8% in boys. Several evidences showed that obesity is a major preventable risk factor and disease modifier of some respiratory conditions such as asthma and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). Co-occurrence of asthma and obesity may be due to common pathogenetic factors including exposure to air pollutants and tobacco smoking, Western diet, and low Vitamin D levels. Lung growth and dysanapsis phenomenon in asthmatic obese children play a role in impaired respiratory function which appears to be different than in adults. Genes involved in both asthma and obesity have been identified, though a gene-by-environment interaction has not been properly investigated yet. The identification of modifiable environmental factors influencing gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms may change the natural history of both diseases. Another important pediatric respiratory condition associated with obesity is Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB), especially Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). OSAS and obesity are linked by a bidirectional causality, where the effects of one affect the other. The factors most involved in the association between OSAS and obesity are oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and gut microbiota. In OSAS pathogenesis, obesity’s role appears to be mainly due to mechanical factors leading to an increase of respiratory work at night-time. However, a causal link between obesity-related inflammatory state and OSAS pathogenesis still needs to be properly confirmed. To prevent obesity and its complications, family education and precocious lifestyle changes are critical. A healthy diet may lead to an improved quality of life in obese children suffering from respiratory diseases. The present review aimed to investigate the links between obesity, asthma and OSAS, focusing on the available evidence and looking for future research fields.

Background: Complementary feeding has traditionally relied on traditional spoon feeding (TSF), in which parents gradually introduce semi-solid foods under close supervision. More recently, Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) has become popular, promoting infant autonomy in handling solid foods. To address concerns regarding choking and nutritional adequacy, the Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS (BLISS) method was developed. Some families instead adopt autonomous responsive feeding, which combines structured guidance with respect for the infant’s self-regulation. Although concerns about foreign body aspiration (FBA) persist among caregivers and pediatricians, current evidence shows that, when conducted safely, BLW may not increase this risk compared with TSF. This study investigated the prevalence of complementary feeding practices and their perceived relationship to FBA, exploring perspectives of caregivers and primary care pediatricians in Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy. Methods: Between March 2022 and May 2024, 149 parents and 126 pediatricians completed anonymous questionnaires. Results: Among parents, 67% initiated complementary feeding at ≥6 months; 43.6% reported autonomous responsive, 32.8% BLW, and 23.5% strict TSF. Pediatricians more frequently endorsed flexible approaches: 61.1% supported autonomous responsive feeding, 37.1% BLW, and 12.7% TSF. Notably, strict TSF was applied by 23.3% of parents, almost twice the proportion recommended by pediatricians. Suspected choking episodes were reported by 41.6% of parents but showed no significant association with feeding method or demographic factors. Conclusions: BLW and related flexible practices are increasingly adopted and, when implemented safely, may not increase FBA risk. Pediatricians appear to recommend BLW, or hybrid approaches, more often than parents apply them, suggesting possible gaps in communication and shared decision-making.