Childhood obesity has emerged as a significant global public health issue, with its epidemic trend and the complexity of its pathogenic mechanisms posing formidable challenges to prevention and control efforts. This article systematically reviews the epidemiological characteristics of childhood obesity, focusing on its global and national prevalence status and core risk factors. It delves into the collaborative pathogenic mechanisms involving genetic and epigenetic regulation, intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, and disruptions in the neuro-endocrine-metabolic network. Furthermore, it comprehensively elucidates the clinical features of multisystem complications. Finally, it summarizes research progress in prevention strategies, clinical interventions, and novel technologies, providing references for the standardized prevention and control of childhood obesity.