Overweight and obesity in children from Shenzhen, Peoples Republic of China

We describe overweight and obesity prevalence in Shenzhen school children (2146 girls and 2428 boys) aged 7 to 12 years, Guangdong Province, China. Nineteen percent of boys and 11% of girls were overweight or obese. Boys had odds of almost 2 to 1 (1.92, 95% CI 1.62,2.27) of being overweight or obese compared to girls and children aged 9 years and over were at greater odds of being overweight or obese than those aged 7 years (p<0.05). Overweight and obesity prevalence among children from Shenzhen rivals that of children from developed nations. Current obesity levels in Shenzhen may represent future levels for urban China.     

Obesity, overweight and thinness in schoolchildren of the city of Florianópolis, Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of obesity, overweight (including obesity) and thinness in children of the city of Florianopolis (southern Brazil). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Representative sample of 7-10-y-old schoolchildren of the first four grades of elementary schools (1432 girls, 1504 boys). METHODS: Measurements of weight, height and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) were taken following standard techniques. The body mass index (BMI) was computed as weight/height2. Nutritional status was defined using two references: (1) the Must et al reference for BMI and TSF to define thinness, overweight and obesity (5th, 85th and 95th percentiles, respectively); (2) the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) BMI cutoffs to define overweight and obesity. RESULTS: Using BMI, according to the Must et al, and IOTF references, the prevalence of obesity was 10.6 and 5.5%, respectively; overweight (including obesity) affected 26.2 and 22.1% of children, respectively. According to the Must et al reference, the prevalence of thinness was 3.2%. Using TSF rather than BMI, according to the Must et al references, fewer children were classified as obese (8.0%) or overweight (20.2%) and more children were classified as thin (4.9%). CONCLUSION: This study supports the previously reported high frequencies of childhood overweight and obesity in developing countries. The data allow comparisons with other studies carried out in Brazil and other parts of the world.     

Racial differences in the tracking of childhood BMI to adulthood

OBJECTIVE: The possibility that there are racial differences in the patterns of BMI (kilograms per meter squared) change throughout life has not been examined. For example, the high prevalence of obesity among black women could result from a higher prevalence of obesity among black girls or because normal-weight black girls experience larger BMI increases in adolescence or adulthood than do their white counterparts. Therefore, we examined the tracking of childhood BMI into adulthood in a biracial (36% black) sample. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Five- to 14-year-old children (2392) were followed for (mean) 17 years. Childhood overweight was defined as BMI > or = 95th percentile, and adult obesity was defined as BMI > or = 30 kg/m(2). RESULTS: The tracking of childhood BMI differed between whites and blacks. Among overweight children, 65% of white girls vs. 84% of black girls became obese adults, and predictive values among boys were 71% (whites) vs. 82% (blacks). These racial differences reflected contrasting patterns in the rate of BMI change. Although the initial BMI of black children was not higher than that of white children, BMI increases with age were larger among black girls and overweight black boys than among their white counterparts. In contrast, relatively thin (BMI < 50th percentile) white boys were more likely to become overweight adults than were their black counterparts. DISCUSSION: These findings emphasize the black/white differences in BMI changes with age. Because of the adult health consequences of childhood-onset obesity, early prevention should be given additional emphasis.     

Obesity and overweight prevalence in Polish 7- to 9-year-old children

OBJECTIVE: Secular trend in childhood obesity is a well-known phenomenon, and it is important to monitor it in cross-sectional studies. The study aim was to estimate prevalence of obesity and overweight in Polish 7- to 9-year-old children and to compare the results with a French study based on the same protocol. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The study was conducted in 2001 according to the protocol of the European Childhood Obesity Group. Height and weight were measured, and BMI was calculated to define nutritional status in a randomly selected group of 2916 (1445 girls and 1471 boys) primary school children. Obesity and overweight were estimated according to International Obesity Task Force references with curve for obesity and overweight passing through 30 and 25 kg/m(2) at age 18, respectively. RESULTS: Overweight (including obesity) was found in 15.4% of Polish children (in 15.8% of girls and 15.0% of boys) and obesity in 3.6% (3.7% of girls and 3.6% of boys) compared with 18.1% of overweight and 3.8% of obese children in French study. There was no significant difference in nutrition status between Polish and French children except for higher frequency of overweight in French 9-year-old boys. The same trend of decreasing overweight through age classes was observed in both populations. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of obesity and overweight (including obesity) in prepubertal children estimated in two European countries according to the same protocol and using the same references showed little differences between the two populations despite higher prevalence of obesity in Polish than French adults.     

Association between overweight or obesity and household income and parental body mass index in Australian youth: analysis of the Australian National Nutrition Survey, 1995

This study is a secondary data analysis based on the 1995 Australian National Nutrition Survey (NNS). A random subsample of 1581 school children aged 7-15 years old from the NNS was studied. The results show the prevalence of overweight, obesity and combined overweight and obesity was 10.6-20.9%, 3.7-7.2% and 15.6-25.7%, respectively. The odds ratio of overweight or obese boys with highest household income was significantly smaller than those with the lowest household income. The proportion of combined overweight and obesity in children whose parents were overweight or obese was significantly greater compared with those whose parents were not. The trend of increasing prevalence of overweight or obesity among children with increasing parental body mass index (BMI) was significant after adjusting for age except the trend of father's BMI for boys. This study provided baseline data on the recent prevalence of overweight or obesity of Australian school children using new international absolute BMI cut-off points. It indicated that young school girls (7-9 years) were more likely to be overweight or obese compared with boys, the prevalence rates of overweight or obesity in older boys (13-15 year) was significantly greater than in other age groups while in girls it was the opposite. The boys with lowest household income ($0-17 500) were more likely to be overweight or obese compared with those with the highest household income (greater than $67 500). Having parents especially mothers who were overweight or obese may increase the risk of children being overweight or obese.     

Bias in height and weight reported by Swedish adolescents and relations to body dissatisfaction: the COMPASS study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the size of biases in self-reported height, weight in a large sample of adolescents with special attention to possible effects of body dissatisfaction and to assess how such biases may influence estimates of overweight and obesity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Unselected population from Southwestern parts of Stockholm County, Sweden. SUBJECTS: Two-thousand seven hundred and twenty-six boys and girls, 15 years of age. METHODS: Data were collected by a questionnaire answered by adolescents and a physical examination made by trained study nurses. A validated physical appearance scale and body silhouettes were embedded into the questionnaire. RESULTS: Obese boys under-reported their weight (5.2 kg) (95% confidence intervals (CI) 3.7; 6.6) more than obese girls (3.8 kg) (95% CI 1.8; 5.8). Agreement between self-reported and measured body mass index (BMI)-categories (obese, overweight and non-overweight/obese) as estimated by weighted kappa was 0.77 (95% CI 0.72; 0.82) for girls and 0.74 (95% CI 0.70; 0.79) for boys. For obese girls and boys sensitivity of self-reports were 0.65 (95% CI 0.47; 0.79) and 0.52 (95% CI 0.38; 0.66). Boys with low scores on the physical appearance scale under-reported their weight and BMI more than those with high scores. Boys and girls who wished to be leaner under-reported their weight and BMI more than subjects who were satisfied with their body size (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Thirty-five percent of obese girls and 48% of obese boys would remain undetected from self-reported data. Boys and girls who were dissatisfied with their physical appearance or size under-reported their weight more than satisfied subjects.     

The epidemiology of overweight and obesity among Australian children and adolescents, 1995-97

OBJECTIVES: To determine the population prevalence of overweight and obesity among Australian children and adolescents, based on measured body mass index (BMI). To determine if overweight and obesity are distributed differentially across the population of young Australians. METHODS: Data from three independent surveys were analysed. In each, height and weight were measured by trained surveyors using valid, comparable methods. BMI (kg/m2) was used as the index of adiposity and recently published international BMI cut-off values used to categorise each subject as non-overweight, overweight or obese. RESULTS: The population prevalence and distribution of overweight, obesity and overweight/obesity combined were generally consistent across datasets. The ranges of the prevalence of non-overweight, overweight, obesity and overweight/obesity combined were 79-81%, 14-16%, 5% and 19-21% (boys) respectively and 76-79%, 16-18%, 5-6% and 21-24% (girls). There were no consistent relationships between the prevalence of overweight/obesity and sex, age or SES. Their prevalence was up to 4% higher in urban than rural areas among boys, but there were no differences between urban and rural girls. The data suggest a higher prevalence of overweight/ obesity among students from European or Middle-Eastern cultural backgrounds. CONCLUSIONS: Some 19-23% of Australian children and adolescents are either overweight or obese. Although urban/rural, SES and cultural background differentials were noted, only the last warrants a targeted health promotion response. IMPLICATIONS: Overweight/obesity is a prevalent health risk factor among Australian children and adolescents. More information is needed to understand whether targeted approaches are required for specific ethnic groups in addition to broad, population-based approaches.     

Prevalence and trends in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Denmark

AIM: To study the current prevalence and trends in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Denmark from 1995 to 2000-2002. METHODS: Cross-sectional national dietary surveys were conducted in 1995 and 2000-2002. The analysis was based on two random population samples from the Danish civil registration system. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported height and weight for 1,026 and 1,152 children and adolescents (4-18 years), who participated in 1995 and 2000-2002, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was defined according to the international age and gender-specific child BMI cut-off points. In the statistical analysis, overweight and obesity were included in the prevalence of overweight. RESULTS: Mean BMI increased significantly between 1995 and 2000-2002 for all combinations of age groups (4-6, 7-10, 11-14 and 15-18 years) and genders. Prevalence of overweight increased between survey years for boys and girls for all age groups (4-6, 7-10, 11-14 and 15-18 years), although formal statistical significance was not reached (p>0.05). When all children and adolescents (4-18 years) were analysed, the prevalence of overweight rose significantly from 10.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 9.0-12.8) to 14.4% (95% CI 12.5-16.3) between 1995 and 2000- 2002 (p=0.01), whereas the increase in the prevalence of obesity did not reach significance (1995, 2.3% (95% CI 1.3-3.3) vs. 2000-2002, 2.4% (95% CI 1.6-3.3); p=0.74). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed a significant increase from 1995 to 2000-2002 in mean BMI for boys and girls for all age groups and a significant increase in the prevalence of overweight when all Danish children and adolescents (4-18 years) were analysed.     

Comparison of anthropometry and parent-reported height and weight among nine year olds

BACKGROUND: There is mounting evidence that the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is reaching epidemic proportions in North America. We compared parent-report vs. measured BMI overweight and obesity prevalence estimates among 9 year olds using the 1996 NLSCY reports published by Willms et al. (2003) and anthropometric measurements from a regional population of public school children. METHODS: Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for 1,497 9-year-old children (males N = 734; females N = 763) from 75 public schools in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada. BMI from the 1996 NLSCY was based on parental reports of height and weight of 879 nine year olds. To define overweight and obese children, we used internationally accepted age- and gender-specific cut-offs as defined by Cole et al. (2000). RESULTS: The NLSCY overweight prevalence estimates of boys and girls may overestimate overweight boys and girls by 17% and 10%, respectively. Measured obesity prevalence estimates were similar to parent-reports. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that parental reports of height and weight may inflate prevalence estimates of overweight children, but appear reasonably accurate for estimating obesity. Since prevalence of overweight and obesity are often combined to form a global estimate, reliance on parent-reported height and weight may overstate the magnitude of the problem.     

Obesity rates among rural Ontario schoolchildren

BACKGROUND: The majority of existing studies of obesity risk among Canadian children come from urban populations. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of obesity in a sample of rural Ontario children. METHODS: Measures of height and weight were obtained for 504 children attending seven public elementary schools in Grey and Bruce Counties, a predominantly rural area of Southern Ontario. Body mass index (BMI, or weight/height2) scores were calculated and compared with reference data from the Centers for Disease Control. RESULTS: Rates of overweight and obesity were high in this sample, with 17.7% of children classified as overweight and 10.9% classified as obese. There was a significantly high prevalence of overweight for both boys (17.8%) and girls (17.5%) (Chi-square = 75.70, p < 0.001). However there was a significant gender difference in obesity prevalence: 15.0% of boys were obese, compared with 6.8% of girls (Mann-Whitney U = 29133.0, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that among rural children--particularly boys--risk of overweight and obesity are at least as high as in their urban Canadian counterparts. There appear to be fewer girls than boys at the extreme high end of the distribution of BMI, which may indicate differences in the growth environment of rural boys and girls.     

Additive interactions of maternal prepregnancy BMI and breast-feeding on childhood overweight

OBJECTIVE: To examine the interactions of maternal prepregnancy BMI and breast-feeding on the risk of overweight among children 2 to 14 years of age. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The 1996 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, Child and Young Adult data in the United States were analyzed (n = 2636). The weighted sample represented 51.3% boys, 78.0% whites, 15.0% blacks, and 7.0% Hispanics. Childhood overweight was defined as BMI >/=95th percentile for age and sex. Maternal prepregnancy obesity was determined as BMI >/=30 kg/m(2). The duration of breast-feeding was measured as the weeks of age from birth when breast-feeding ended. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, children whose mothers were obese before pregnancy were at a greater risk of becoming overweight [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 4.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.6, 6.4] than children whose mothers had normal BMI (<25 kg/m(2); p < 0.001 for linear trend). Breast-feeding for >/=4 months was associated with a lower risk of childhood overweight (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4, 1.0; p = 0.06 for linear trend). The additive interaction between maternal prepregnancy obesity and lack of breast-feeding was detected (p < 0.05), such that children whose mothers were obese and who were never breast-fed had the greatest risk of becoming overweight (OR, 6.1; 95% CI, 2.9, 13.1). DISCUSSION: The combination of maternal prepregnancy obesity and lack of breast-feeding may be associated with a greater risk of childhood overweight. Special attention may be needed for children with obese mothers and lack of breast-feeding in developing childhood obesity intervention programs.     

Obesity among pre-adolescent and adolescents of a developing country (India)

There are very few reports from the developing world on the prevalence of obesity among children even though in developed countries it has reached epidemic proportions. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity in pre-adolescent and adolescent children in a developing country (India) using WHO guidelines for defining obesity and overweight. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 2008 school-children aged 9-15 years. Approximately half the subjects belonged to a school attended by children of well to do families while the rest belonged to two schools from middle and lower socio-economic background. Weight and height were taken for all children and the body mass index (BMI) calculated. Children whose BMI was >85th percentile for age and sex were defined as overweight. Triceps skin fold thickness (TSFT) was measured for all overweight children and those with TSFT >90th percentile for age and sex were defined as obese. The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was 11.1% and 14.2% respectively. The prevalence of obesity as well as overweight was higher in boys as compared to girls (12.4% vs 9.9%, 15.7% vs 12.9%). Prevalence of obesity decreased significantly with age, from 18.5% at 9 years to 7.6% at 14 years, rising at 15 years to 12.1%. Significantly more children from higher socio-economic status were obese and overweight than those from lower socio-economic status groups. No significant gender difference for obesity prevalence was seen among children from a less privileged background, however, amongst children from affluent families, significantly more boys were obese as compared to girls. Pediatric obesity is an emerging problem in developing countries, especially among higher socio-economic status groups. Significant gender disparity is seen, with boys of affluent background having a higher prevalence.     

乌鲁木齐市维吾尔族和汉族7～18岁人群体重指数分类标准比较

目的探讨使用偏度-中位数-变异系数法（LMS法）建立并比较乌鲁木齐市7～18岁维吾尔族（维族）和汉族青少年超重、肥胖的体重指数（BMI）分类标准。方法采用分层整群抽样方法，调查新疆乌鲁木齐市7～18岁维、汉族中小学生9146人，绘制两民族7～18岁青少年年龄别、性别BMI百分位曲线，确定18岁时分别通过国际肥胖工作组（IOTF）和中国肥胖问题工作组（WGOC）成年人超重、肥胖标准的特殊百分位数曲线，由此获得两民族7～18岁人群超重和肥胖的界值标准。结果18岁时通过25及30kg／m^2的百分位曲线：维族男生为P94.46和P99.58，维族女生为P92.44和P99.64，汉族男生为P85.05和P97.26，汉族女生为P90.92和P99.03；通过24及28kg／m^2的百分位曲线维族男生为P90.54和P98.86，维族女生为P86.96和P98.77，汉族男生为P78.98和P94.72，汉族女生为P86.15和P97.56。结论BMI分布具有民族特异性；对维族青少年超重、肥胖筛检时建议参考使用该研究标准。     

Correction: prevalence and socioeconomic correlates of overweight and obesity among Pakistani primary school children

ABSTRACT: Since the publication of our article [1], we have noticed some errors in the final published version, for which the corresponding author accepts full responsibility. Page references are to the final PDF version. Page 3: Results, second paragraph Lines 1-2: "BMI... 20.7 (5.02) kg/m2..." should read "BMI... 16.0 (3.0) kg/m2..." Lines 6-8: "According to the IOTF cut-offs, overweight and obesity prevalence was 33% (95% CI 31.1-35.3) and 24% (95% CI 22.4-26.2) respectively" should read "According to the IOTF cut-offs, overweight and obesity prevalence was 8.3% (95% CI 7.1-9.6) and 4.7% (95% CI 3.8-5.7) respectively" Page 4: Table 1 The values for mean and standard deviation (SD) for BMI (kg/m2) are revised. Page 4: Table 2 The values for mean BMI (SD) and overweight and obesity prevalence according to the IOTF cut-offs are revised. Page 5: Figure 2 The values for grade- and gender- specific mean BMI are revised. Page 6: Second paragraph Lines 1-8: "Prevalence of overweight by the IOTF cut-offs was twice the prevalence by the WHO 2007 reference (33% versus 17%) and prevalence of obesity by the IOTF cutoffs was three times higher than that calculated by the WHO 2007 reference (24% versus 7.5%). Using IOTF cut-offs for overweight and obesity in Pakistani schoolaged children would result in higher estimates than the WHO 2007 reference." should read "Prevalence of overweight by the IOTF cut-offs was half the prevalence by the WHO 2007 reference (8% versus 17%) and prevalence of obesity by the IOTF cutoffs was two-third of that calculated by the WHO 2007 reference (5% versus 7.5%). Using IOTF cut-offs for overweight and obesity in Pakistani schoolaged children would result in lower estimates than the WHO 2007 reference. A relatively lower overweight and obesity prevalence with use of the IOTF cut-offs as compared to the WHO reference had been reported elsewhere [2-3]." In present study, the estimates for overweight included obese children.     

Interleukin-10 as a potential regulator of hepcidin homeostasis in overweight and obese children: A cross-sectional study in Taiwan

ObjectiveA sharp increase in the prevalence of obesity and a decline in iron deficiency in children was observed between the two consecutive Nutrition and Health Surveys in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of hepcidin in relation to nutritional status in children.Methods648 children ages 7 to 13 y living in Taipei and New Taipei City were enrolled in this study. Parameters for obesity, iron status, and inflammatory markers were evaluated.ResultsThere were no differences in the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron depletion between normal and overweight/obese children. A V-sharp hepcidin distribution curve was seen in normal weight children and overweight/obese boys. Serum hepcidin levels remained stable in overweight/obese girls during transition from childhood to teenager. Overweight/obese children had increased serum nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin (IL)-1β but decreased IL-10 concentration compared with normal weight children. A strong inverse relationship was found between IL-10 and body mass index (BMI; odds ratio (OR), 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83–0.89). By contrast, positive correlations were observed between BMI and IL-1β (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.29–1.98); and between BMI and NO (OR, 1.04, 95% CI, 1.02–1.07). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed serum hepcidin was significantly correlated with IL-10 (β = 0.26, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur results raise the possibility that IL-10 may play a role in iron homeostasis. Decreased circulating IL-10 concentration may temporary protect young overweight/obese girls against the development of iron deficiency. However, long-term decrease in hepcidin concentration may increase the risk for iron overload in overweight/obese children.     

The B'Active programme for overweight primary school children in Glasgow: determining the prevalence of overweight and obesity and piloting an activity intervention

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school children in Glasgow and to evaluate a pilot activity programme for overweight and obese children. BMI was measured in 1548 children. Overweight, obesity and severe obesity were defined as BMI > or =85th, 95th and 98th centile, respectively. Overweight and obese children were then invited to participate in a 10-week school-based activity programme. The programme was evaluated by recording weekly attendance, intensity (using the Children's Effort Rating Scale) and enjoyment (scale 1-10). Focus groups were used to explore the experiences and views of the children, teachers, coaches and parents. Of the 1548 children, 31.4% were overweight, 19.1% were obese and 12.4% were severely obese; 38% of those invited attended the activity programme. Weekly programme attendance was 83% (range 56-99%). Mean enjoyment rating (scale 1-10) was 8 for boys and 9 for girls. The intensity of activity sessions were rated 'very easy' by boys and 'just feeling a strain' by girls. Common themes emerging from the focus groups related to perceived positive and negative aspects of the programme (fun, concerns about stigmatising children); physical and psychological outcomes (fitter, more confident); and future recommendations (involve parents). In summary, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was high. The activity programme was successful in terms of attendance and enjoyment, and overall views of the initiative were positive and there was compelling support for its continuation.     

Prenatal and Postnatal Bisphenol A Exposure and Body Mass Index in Childhood in the CHAMACOS Cohort

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely used endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been associated with increased body weight and fat deposition in rodents.Objectives: We examined whether prenatal and postnatal urinary BPA concentrations were associated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, percent body fat, and obesity in 9-year-old children (n = 311) in the CHAMACOS longitudinal cohort study.Methods: BPA was measured in spot urine samples collected from mothers twice during pregnancy and from children at 5 and 9 years of age.Results: Prenatal urinary BPA concentrations were associated with decreased BMI at 9 years of age in girls but not boys. Among girls, being in the highest tertile of prenatal BPA concentrations was associated with decreased BMI z-score (β = –0.47, 95% CI: –0.87, –0.07) and percent body fat (β = –4.36, 95% CI: –8.37, –0.34) and decreased odds of overweight/obesity [odds ratio (OR) = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.91] compared with girls in the lowest tertile. These findings were strongest in prepubertal girls. Urinary BPA concentrations at 5 years of age were not associated with any anthropometric parameters at 5 or 9 years, but BPA concentrations at 9 years were positively associated with BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, and overweight/obesity at 9 years in boys and girls.Conclusions: Consistent with other cross-sectional studies, higher urinary BPA concentrations at 9 years of age were associated with increased adiposity at 9 years. However, increasing BPA concentrations in mothers during pregnancy were associated with decreased BMI, body fat, and overweight/obesity among their daughters at 9 years of age.     

Trends in childhood obesity in Japan over the last 25 years from the national nutrition survey

OBJECTIVE: To describe the 25-year changes in BMI (measured in kilograms per meters squared) and the prevalence of obesity in Japanese children with special reference to urban-rural differences. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We used the data sets from the cross-sectional annual nationwide surveys (National Nutrition Survey, Japan) conducted from 1976 to 2000 and comprising 29,052 boys and 27,552 girls between 6 and 14 years of age. We carried out the trend analyses with the data on sex and age groups and on residential areas according to the size of the municipality (metropolitan areas, cities, and small towns). RESULTS: The mean (age-adjusted) BMI increased by +0.32 kg/m(2) per 10 years in boys and by +0.24 kg/m(2) per 10 years in girls, increases that were remarkable in small towns. The prevalence of obese boys and girls increased from 6.1% and 7.1%, respectively, in the time-period 1976 to 1980, to 11.1% and 10.2% in 1996 to 2000. The increasing trend was most evident in 9- to 11-year-old children of both sexes living in small towns, whereas no changes were observed in girls in metropolitan areas. DISCUSSION: Our data clearly show increasing trends in obesity prevalence in Japanese school children. Degrees of the increasing trends, however, differed across sex and age groups and residential areas, demonstrating a particular phenomenon that girls in metropolitan areas were unlikely to become obese. These epidemiological aspects indicate the priorities for intervention in population strategies to control obesity in children.     

西安市城区2009年7~18岁儿童、青少年超重和肥胖流行病学调查

【目的】 了解西安市城区儿童、青少年超重和肥胖的发病情况。 【方法】 随机整群抽取西安市城区7~18岁中小学生13 994人,采用体质指数(body mass index,BMI)诊断超重和肥胖。采用三次样条对西安市7~18岁儿童青少年体重、身高和BMI百分位数进行拟合,将身高,体重P₅₀,及BMI的P₈₅、P₉₅百分位数值与2005年中国全国标准进行比较。 【结果】 西安市城区7~18岁中小学生超重总发病率为10.42%,男生和女生分别为11.85%和8.83%;肥胖总发病率为4.67%,男生和女生分别为4.92%和4.40%。男生身高P₅₀值在10~15岁(除12岁)比全国标准稍低,男女体重和女生身高P₅₀中位数与全国数值基本接近;男生BMI的P₈₅、P₉₅数值与2005年全国水平基本接近;女生P₈₅和P₉₅值在14岁以前与全国水平基本接近,15岁后有所减低。 【结论】 西安市中小学肥胖发病率在17年间增加了一倍,制定预防儿童超重和肥胖的有效措施势在必行。     

张家口市卫华小学7~12岁儿童肥胖与血压及肺活量的相关分析

目的 了解张家口市卫华小学7~12岁儿童肥胖发生情况,分析儿童期肥胖与血压及肺活量的关系。 方法 于2012年9月通过整群抽样的方法,对张家口市卫华小学1 530名儿童进行体重、身高、血压、肺活量等相关指标进行测量。计算体质指数(body mass index,BMI),依据BMI值筛查超重、肥胖儿童,统计分析肥胖与血压水平及肺活量的关系。结果 受检人群总体超重检出率为13.01%,肥胖检出率为14.25%,其中男童、女童超重检出率分别为17.2%和8.31%,男童、女童肥胖检出率分别为14.23%和8.59%,男童超重、肥胖检出率均显著高于女童(P<0.01);超重和肥胖儿童的收缩压和舒张压水平均显著高于体重正常儿童(P<0.01),且超重、肥胖和体重正常儿童高血压检出率分别为10.55%、39.95%和4.85%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);当儿童BMI<30时,BMI与肺活量呈正相关,当BMI≥30时,BMI与肺活量呈负相关。 结论张家口市卫华小学儿童超重、肥胖流行趋势显著,男童更为突出;随着肥胖程度的增加,儿童的收缩压和舒张压水平呈现上升趋势,高血压检出率增加;当儿童BMI≥30时,肥胖已影响肺功能。提示儿童超重、肥胖使心、肺功能降低,预防和控制儿童肥胖刻不容缓。