Abstract
BackgroundChina has seen rapid increase in obesity and hypertension prevalence and fast food consumption over the past decade. We examined status and risk factors for Western- and Chinese fast food consumption and their associations with health outcomes in Chinese children, and examined how maternal factors were associated with child health outcomes.MethodsData of 1626 students aged 7–16 (11.6 ± 2.0) years and their parents in four mega-cities across China (Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Xi’an) were collected in the 2015 baseline survey of the Childhood Obesity Study in China Mega-cities. Weight, height, waist circumference, and blood pressure were measured. Food intake was assessed using questionnaire. Mixed models were used to examine the associations.ResultsAmong the children, 11.1% were obese, 19.7% were centrally obese, and 9.0% had hypertension. Obesity prevalence was much higher in boys than in girls (15.2% vs. 6.9% and 27.4% vs. 11.7%, respectively, both P < 0.001). About half (51.9% and 43.6%) of children consumed Western and Chinese fast food, respectively, over the past 3 months. Compared to those with college or above maternal education level, those with elementary school or below maternal education level were 49% more likely to consume Western fast food (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49 [1.10–2.03]). Chinese fast food consumption rate increased by 12% with each year of increase in child’s age (OR and 95% CI: 1.12 [1.02–1.23]). No significant associations between fast food consumption and health outcomes were detected. Adjusting for Western fast food consumption, children with lower maternal education were 71% and 43% more likely to have obesity and central obesity (ORs and 95% CIs: 1.71 [1.12–2.61] and 1.43 [1.00–2.03], respectively), and maternal body mass index was positively associated with child obesity, central obesity, and hypertension (ORs and 95% CIs: 1.11 [1.06–1.17], 1.12 [1.07–1.17], and 1.09 [1.03–1.15], respectively). Results were similar when Chinese fast food consumption was adjusted for.ConclusionsThe prevalence of fast food consumption, obesity and hypertension is high among children in major cities in China. Maternal factors affect child outcomes.
Highlights
China has seen rapid increase in obesity and hypertension prevalence and fast food consumption over the past decade
The prevalence of fast food consumption, obesity and hypertension is high among children in major cities in China
Using data collected from four mega-cities across China, we have reported on fast food consumption (FFC) and its associated factors among elementary and middle school students
Summary
China has seen rapid increase in obesity and hypertension prevalence and fast food consumption over the past decade. The prevalence of obesity and overweight has increased rapidly among Chinese adults and children over the past three decades [1,2,3,4,5]. In children, it increased from less than 3% in 1985 to about 20% in 2010 [4]. According to a recent report, 20.2% of Chinese boys and 16.3% of girls had elevated BP; elevated BP was common among obese children [8]. This is much higher than among American children [9]. The shifts in Chinese children’s food intake might have contributed to the increase in obesity and hypertension
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