Combined Overweight Research Articles

Time trends and disparities of obesity and related national policies and programs in Nepal: a systematic review

ObjectiveOverweight and obesity prevalence has increased in low-income countries. This study systematically reviewed the obesity trend, disparities, and prevention and control efforts in Nepal. MethodsWe searched PubMed and Google Scholar for articles and reports published between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2022. Additional information on National policies and programs related to obesity prevention was retrieved from governmental websites and consultation with relevant experts. Overweight and obesity were defined using the World Health Organization body mass index cut points. Thirty-two studies and reports were included. ResultsOverall, overweight and obesity rates increased in all groups in Nepal although nationally representative data remained limited. The combined overweight and obesity (OW/OB) and obesity rates in women aged 15‒49 years increased from 8.5% to 22.2% and from 0.9% to 5.1% between 2006 and 2016, respectively. OW/OB and obesity rates in men were 17.1% and 2.5% based on data from the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey. OW/OB rate in under-five children increased from 0.6% to 2.8% between 2006 and 2016. Obesity rates for school-age (5‒9 years) boys and girls in 2016 were 2.4% and 2.8%, respectively, and were 1.1% and 1.4% for male and female adolescents aged 10‒19 years, respectively. OW/OB prevalence was much higher among women, residents in urban areas and central provinces, and in higher socioeconomic status groups. Projected prevalence of OW/OB and obesity for 2030 in adults aged 15‒49 was 44.7% and 8.3%, respectively, while it was 2.2% for OW/OB in preschool children. Policies and direct interventions that specifically focused on obesity prevention and control are limited. ConclusionsOW/OB prevalence in Nepal has increased during the past 1.8 decades, disproportionately affecting population groups. Existing interventions mostly focused on undernutrition with some indirect implications for obesity prevention. In the future, Nepal needs to develop population-based programs for obesity prevention.

Anthropometric nutritional status of children (0-18 years) in South Africa 1997-2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature on the anthropometric nutritional status of South African infants and children, 0-18 years old and to report on trends of changes in nutritional status over the period 1997-2022. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Review of the available literature on the anthropometric nutritional status of South African infants and children, 0-18 years old, over the period 1997-2022. South African infants and children, 0-18 years old. Only quantitative data from ninety-five publications that described the nutritional status in terms of anthropometry were included. Most recent studies applied the WHO 2006 and 2007 definitions for malnutrition among children 0-5 years old and 5-19 years old, respectively. Meta-analysis of all prevalence data shows the highest stunting prevalence of 25·1 % among infants and preschool children, compared to 11·3 % among primary school-age children and 9·6 % among adolescents. Furthermore, the overweight and obesity prevalence was similar among children younger than 6 years and adolescents (19 %), compared to 12·5 % among primary school-age children. In national surveys, adolescent overweight prevalence increased from 16·9 % in 2002 to 23·1 % in 2011. Meta-regression analysis shows a decrease in stunting among children 6-18 years old and an increase in combined overweight and obesity in the 10-19 years age group. The double burden of malnutrition remains evident in South Africa with stunting and overweight/obesity the most prevalent forms of malnutrition among children.

The cause and effect of the nutrition transition in Nigeria: analysis of the value of indigenous knowledge and traditional foods in Enugu State, Igboland

The objective of this study is twofold: one, to analyze the presence of the nutrition transition in Nigeria through assessment of national food consumption trends, obesity, and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) data over time, and two, to assess the role that indigenous knowledge and foodways can play in promoting healthy diets in the country through the case study of Enugu State, Igboland. A mixed-methods approach was utilized with quantitative data from the Nigerian Living Standards Survey and Demographic Health Survey to measure changes in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and food consumption across Nigeria from 2003 to 2018 using Natural Language Processing and Trend Analysis. Primary qualitative data in Enugu State were collected through semi-structured interviews in 2021 with a random sampling technique undertaken to analyze the status of indigenous Igbo foods and traditions to curb the negative effects of the nutrition transition, as well as to document the motivations behind using or abandoning traditional foods in the present generation. The findings of the study depict the nutrition transition in Nigeria in multiple forms. The combined overweight and obese population in the country has experienced a 29% increase in the 15-years study period, while the NCDs hypertension and diabetes have experienced a combined 21% increase. Consumption patterns have shifted, though not always in the ways predicted from the literature, with statistically significant increases displayed in the consumption of Breads and Pastries, Starchy Roots and Tubers, Legumes, Plant and Animal Fats, Seafoods, Milk and Dairy Products, Beverages, Non-alcoholic Drinks, Vegetables, and Red Meats. The primary data analysis displayed that the traditional Igbo foodscape is defined by local, nutritious whole foods. The data depicted significant recent trends toward using ultra-processed seasoning cubes instead of local herbs as spices, with a huge shift from 0% frequency usage identified in the parents’ generation to a 35% frequency in the current generation. Eighty-three percent of the community surveyed stated that they believe that the diets of the younger generation are changing, with the majority stating that the change is for the worse. Participants from the community provided recommendations for curbing the nutrition transition and empowering indigenous foodways through policy, investment, and mindset change. Though consumption patterns are changing and Nigeria’s obesity and NCD rates are increasing, it is still far behind the rate of obesity in countries farther along in the nutrition transition such as its former colonizer Britain. Interviews conducted around Enugu State show how the indigenous food system is centered on fresh, healthy foods, primarily local tubers, legumes, vegetables, and spices. There is extensive knowledge and pride in the indigenous food system, even though there was a consensus that Igbo food culture is currently undergoing immense changes in part due to some of the younger generation’s new tastes in processed foods and convenience.

Cardiovascular risk profiles clusters among children and adolescents with disabilities

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a precursor for disabilities and death worldwide. Being overweight or obese in combination with physical inactivity and smoking habits may increase the risk for CVD and other health problems such as lower limb osteoarthritis, diabetes, stroke, and various cancer types among children and adolescents. The literature emphasizes the need to follow such groups and evaluate the risk of individuals developing CVD diseases. Therefore, the current study explores the variety of cardiovascular risks in children and adolescents’ profiles clusters with and without disabilities.MethodsData from 42 countries including Israel, was collected with the support of the world health organization (WHO, Europe) through a questionnaire from 11–19 years old school-aged.ResultsThe study finding shows that children and adolescents with disabilities demonstrated a higher prevalence of overweight than those who completed the HBSC youth behavior survey. Moreover, the prevalence of tobacco smoking and alcohol use was statisticaly significantly higher among the disabled group than the non-disabled group. In addition, socioeconomic status of responders who presented a very high CVD risk was found as significantly lower than those from the first and second low risk groups.ConclusionThis led to the conclusion that children and adolescents with disability were at a higher risk of developing CVDs than their non-disabled peers. In addition, intervention programs tailored to the needs of adolescents with disability should consider lifestyle habit change and promoting healthy living thus improving their quality of life as well as reducing their risk of being exposed to severe CVD diseases.

Dietary patterns and child, parental, and societal factors associated with being overweight and obesity in Vietnamese children living in Ho Chi Minh city.

Childhood overweight and obesity are rapidly increasing in urban Vietnam. Dietary patterns are understudied for their association with obesity risk in these children, and it is unclear which parental and societal factors should be targeted in prevention efforts. The study assessed child characteristics, dietary patterns, parental and societal factors for associations with childhood overweight and obesity status in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A sample of 221 children aged 9-11 years was randomly selected from four Ho Chi Minh City primary schools. Weight, heightand waist circumference were measured using standardized methods. Three 24-hdietary recalls were collected from 124 children, which were used to assess dietary patterns using principal component analysis (PCA). Parents completed a questionnaire about child, parentaland societal factors. The overall prevalence of obesity was 31.7% and of combined overweight and obesity 59.3%. Three main dietary patterns from 10 food groups were identified by PCA: traditional (grains, vegetables, meat and meat alternatives), discretionary (snacks and sweetened beverages), and industrialized (fast food and processed meat). Children with higher discretionary diet scores had higher odds of being overweight. Being a boy, screen time over 2 h/day, parental underestimation of child weight status, father's obesity, and household income in the lowest quintile were positively associated with childhood obesity. Future intervention programmes in Vietnam need to consider targeting children's unhealthy diets and parental perceptions of child weight status, as well as focusing on upstream approaches that reduce inequities contributing to childhood obesity and concomitant dietary patterns.

Prevalence And Associated Sociodemographic Factors of Obesity And Overweight among Public School Teachers in Kurdistan Region

Background: Obesity and overweight are two of the main serious health risk factors worldwide. Teachers have been found to be more likely than other groups of the population to be obese or overweight. The study aimed to explore the overweight and obesity prevalence and determine their sociodemographic factors among public school teachers in a sample population in Iraqi Kurdistan. Methods: The cross-sectional study design was applied from September 15th, 2021, to April 1st, 2022. Stratified-simple random sampling technique was used to select 500 school teachers aged from 18 to 64. The current study used a questionnaire and composed of two parts: the first part; included sociodemographic characteristics, and the second part, consisted of measuring body mass index. Results: The majority (40.6%) of teachers were aged 30–39 and 64.8% of them were female, and 54.6% were primary school teachers. The combined overweight and obesity prevalence was 71.4%. The higher obesity and being overweight prevalence was found in those over the age of 30, female, married, low to moderate-income teachers, and teachers with a diploma and lower education levels. The BMI of teachers was statistically associated with age (p=0.024), gender (p≤ 0.001), marital status (p≤0.001), income (p≤ 0.001), and education level (p=0.007). Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among primary school teachers in this region. They are associated with socio-demographic characteristics

Combined resistance and aerobic training improves lung function and mechanics and fibrotic biomarkers in overweight and obese women.

Background: Obesity impairs lung function and mechanics and leads to low-grade inflammation, but the effects of combined physical exercise (CPE) on that are unknown. Methods: We investigated the effects of 12 weeks of combined physical exercise (aerobic + resistance training), in non-obese (n = 12), overweight (n = 17), and obese grade I (n = 11) women. Lung function and lung mechanics were evaluated. The systemic immune response was evaluated by whole blood analysis and biomarker measurements, while pulmonary fibrotic biomarkers were evaluated in the breath condensate. Result: CPE improved forced vital capacity (FVC) % (p < 0.001) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) % (p < 0.0003) in the obese group; resistance of the respiratory system (R5Hz) in non-obese (p < 0.0099), overweight (p < 0.0005), and obese (p < 0.0001) groups; resistance of proximal airways (R20Hz) in non-obese (p < 0.01), overweight (p < 0.0009), and obese (p < 0.0001) groups; resistance of distal airways (R5Hz–R20Hz) in non-obese (p < 0.01), overweight (p < 0.0012), and obese (p < 0.0001) groups; reactance of the respiratory system (X5Hz) in non-obese (p < 0.01), overweight (p < 0.0006), and obese (p < 0.0005) groups; impedance of the respiratory system (Z5Hz) in non-obese (p < 0.0099), overweight (p < 0.0005), and obese (p < 0.0001) groups; central resistance (RCentral) in non-obese (p < 0.01), overweight (p < 0.001), and obese (p < 0.0003) groups; and the peripheral resistance (RPeripheral) in non-obese (p < 0.03), overweight (p < 0.001), and obese (p < 0.0002) groups. CPE reduced the pro-fibrotic IGF-1 levels in BC in overweight (p < 0.0094) and obese groups (p < 0.0001) and increased anti-fibrotic Klotho levels in BC in obese (p < 0.0001) groups, and reduced levels of exhaled nitric oxide in overweight (p < 0.03) and obese (p < 0.0001) groups. Conclusion: CPE improves lung function, mechanics, and pulmonary immune response in overweight and obese grade I women by increasing anti-fibrotic protein Klotho and reducing pro-fibrotic IGF-1.

Factors associated with physical inactivity among community dwelling adults in Umuahia, Nigeria

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Background: Considerable evidence suggests that physical inactivity contributes to the magnitude of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and is responsible for premature deaths globally. &#x0D; Objective: This study aimed to examine physical inactivity and associated factors among community dwelling adults in Abia State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 868 community-dwelling adults (20 to 59 years) were sampled in a cross- sectional survey using multistage sampling technique. A validated questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. Weight and height were measured and used to calculate the body mass index (BMI). The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to collect data on physical activity status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between physical inactivity and associated factors at p&lt;0.05. &#x0D; Results: The prevalence of physical inactivity was 49.8% (48.5% in males and 51.0% in females), while combined overweight and obesity was 39.4%. In the adjusted model, physical inactivity was associated with older age (OR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.34- 0.71), increasing BMI (OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.49- 0.91), increasing income (OR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.48- 0.89), and alcohol consumption (OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.47- 0.97).&#x0D; Conclusion: The high prevalence of physical inactivity among adults underscores the need for community-based physical activity interventions to reduce the burden of NCDs among adults. &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Determinants of Childhood Overweight and Obesity among Children 2 – 6 Years of Age Attending Anganwadi Centres in a Block of North Bengal

BACKGROUND&#x0D; Childhood obesity, a precursor of obesity in adulthood, is an important risk factor for adverse health outcomes and is showing a rising trend in India. Duration of exclusive breastfeeding, early introduction of complementary feeding, overweight or obesity in the mother, and maternal diabetes are important risk factors. The study was conducted to determine the proportion of overweight and obesity and its determinants among children in a block of North Bengal.&#x0D; METHODS&#x0D; A cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 2 – 6 years attending Anganwadi Centres in Tufanganj I Block, District Cooch Behar, West Bengal. 221 children aged between 2 and 6 years, were selected by 2 stage sampling technique, from 5 AWCs by simple random sampling, after taking informed consent from their mothers. Proportions, 95% CI for prevalence, and adjusted odds ratio for risk factors were calculated.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; Proportions of overweight and obesity were 22.2% and 11.3% respectively. The proportion of combined overweight and obesity was significantly higher when the duration of exclusive breastfeeding was for less than 6 months compared to more than 6 months [AOR=8.069, 95% CI = 1.778-36.624, P=0.007] and the duration of continued breastfeeding was for less than 6 months compared to more than 6 months [AOR=12.586, 95% CI = 5.196-30.486, P=&lt;0.001].&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS&#x0D; The proportion of overweight and obesity was observed to be higher compared to other studies. Increased duration of breastfeeding appears to be a protective factor for the prevention of childhood overweight and obesity.

Time trends and disparities in combined overweight and obesity prevalence among children in China.

This study aims to examine the trends and disparities in the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in China by regions and specific groups over the last 30 years. PubMed, Wanfang, CNKI, VIP database, official websites of national governments and professional institutions/associations were systematically searched, for related reports and studies published up until December 2021. Reports based on nationally representative survey data were also examined and included. In mainland China, overweight and obesity decreased in pre-school children (≤6 years old) and increased in school-aged children (7-18 years old) between 2010 and 2013 to 2015 and 2017, but long-term trends predict future increases in both groups. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school students in Hong Kong dropped from 21.4% in 2007-2008 to 17.6% in 2016-2017. In Macao, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children aged 6-18 years was reported by age stratification; the lowest and highest prevalence was 13.4%, 29.3% and 9.2%, 21.7% for boys and girls in latest survey in 2015, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary, middle and high school students in Taiwan dropped from 28.2%, 27.1% and 31.1% in 2010 to 26.7%, 25.2% and 26.7% in 2013, respectively. Furthermore, in mainland China, the prevalence in rural left-behind boys and girls was 10.7% and 7.0%, respectively, in 2011, and the prevalence among migrant pre-school children was about 5.0% around 2010. In summary, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in school-aged children has increased in mainland China and Macao, but decreased in Hong Kong and Taiwan prior to 2017. The projections suggest that the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in pre-school children will be in rural children in the future. These factors need to be considered when formulating and implementing national policies and programmes to fight overweight and obesity.

Impact of Short Sleep Duration on the Incidence of Obesity and Overweight among Children and Adolescents.

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of obesity among children is increasing and is highlighting many problems. Lack of sleep is common among children and adolescents. Although several studies have investigated sleep duration and overweight and obesity from a sex perspective, data regarding age and sex effects remain limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the risk(s) for overweight or obesity according to sleep duration among children and adolescents; to evaluate the effect of short sleep duration on the incidence of overweight/obesity among children and adolescents; and to evaluate sex differences in the risk of overweight or obesity with shorter sleep durations. Materials and Methods: The PubMed database was searched for relevant studies published up to June 30, 2021. Odds ratios for obesity/overweight were estimated for short compared with long sleep duration. Subgroup analysis based on sleep duration, sex, and study location was also performed. Results: The estimated odds ratio for combined obesity and overweight was 1.171 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.092–1.256) according to short sleep duration. Obesity/overweight with short sleep duration was significantly prevalent in the <6 and 6–10 years’ subgroups (odds ratio 1.226 (95% CI 1.083–1.387) and 1.341 (95% CI 1.175–1.530), respectively). Among boys, short sleep duration was significantly correlated with a high occurrence of obesity/overweight (odds ratio 1.294 (95% CI 1.153–1.452)); no such correlation was found among girls. Conclusions: Short sleep duration may increase risk of obesity among children and adolescents, especially those <6 and 6–10 years of age. In the subgroup analysis, the incidence of obesity/overweight for short sleep time revealed significant results among Asians and boys.

Trends of stunting, underweight and overweight among children aged < 5 years in Kuwait: findings from Kuwait Nutritional Surveillance System (2007-2019).

There is a paucity of data on the secular trends of stunting and overweight among children aged < 5 years in oil-rich countries in the Middle East. To examine the secular trends of stunting, underweight and overweight in children aged < 5 years in Kuwait between 2007 and 2019. We used large individual data records (n=48 108) from the Kuwait Nutritional Surveillance System (KNSS) to calculate height/length-for-age z score (HAZ), weight-for-age z score and body mass index (BMI)-for-age z score using World Health Organization growth references. Stunting and underweight were defined as < -2 standard deviation (SD) and overweight (including obesity) as ≥ +2 SD. Trends of stunting, underweight and overweight were investigated using logistic regression models. The prevalence of stunting, underweight and overweight was 5.15%, 2.33% and 10.78%, respectively. Stunting increased during the study period, among children aged < 2 years. There was no increasing trend in overweight during the study period. These findings were corroborated by the distribution of HAZ and BMI-for-age z scores. Current prevalence of combined stunting and overweight was 1.53% in boys and 1.98% in girls. Current prevalence of stunting and underweight is low in Kuwait indicating that undernutrition is no longer a major public health issue. There is a tendency for stunting to increase in children aged < 2 years, highlighting the need to investigate early causes of stunting such as maternal and pregnancy-related factors.

Impact of Physical Activity on Gestational Weight Gain in Overweight and Obese Pregnant Women: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Regular physical activity and exercises play an important role in a healthy pregnancy in overweight and obese women. Objective: To investigate the effect of exercise parameters (frequency, duration and intensity) and Physical Activity (PA) on maternal Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) in overweight and obese pregnant women. Methods: PubMed and Cochrane database were used to locate the literature; randomized controlled trials comparing PA with standard care on combined overweight and obese pregnant women, published in English language from January 2011 to March 2020 were selected. PA interventions, including walking, aerobic and resistance exercise either alone or in combination compared with standard care during pregnancy in overweight and obese pregnant women were screened. Mean Difference (MD) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) between the intervention and standard care for GWG was calculated. Results: Twelve studies with 1667 pregnant women were included. The result showed a statistically significant reduction of GWG in the PA group as compared to the standard care (MD 0.99 kg, p&lt;0.00001 &amp; I2=25%). Overweight and obese pregnant women who performed exercises for the duration of 45-60 minutes/session (MD -1.01 kg, P=0.0008 and I2=61%), a frequency of 3 times/week (MD -1.19 kg, P=0.0002 and I2=58%) and light to moderate intensity (MD -1.37 kg, P&lt;0.0001 &amp; I2=62%), reported good weight control during pregnancy as compared with standard care group. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant reduction in GWG in overweight and obese pregnant women. Owing to the promising results shown by exercise intervention and PA in maternal weight control, these interventions should be used as a tool for managing weight gain during pregnancy as routine care.

Роль синдрому обструктивного апное сну в атеросклеротичному ушкодженні сонних артерій при цукровому діабеті 2-го типу

Актуальність. Синдром обструктивного апное сну є одним із найпоширеніших порушень сну. На цей час накопичено достатньо даних про негативний вплив синдрому обструктивного апное сну на розвиток хронічних ускладнень цукрового діабету (ЦД) 2­го типу. Мета. Оцінювання стану ліпідного профілю крові та атеросклеротичних змін сонних артерій у пацієнтів із ЦД 2­го типу залежно від наявності синдрому обструктивного апное сну. Матеріали та методи. У дослідженні взяли участь 55 чоловіків. Усім пацієнтам виконано полісомнографічне дослідження, ультразвукове дослідження сонних артерій, визначення показників глікованого гемоглобіну, загального холестерину, тригліцеридів, ліпопротеїнів високої і низької щільності, визначення антропометричних показників. Учасники дослідження розподілені на 3 групи: група 1 (n = 15) — пацієнти з ЦД 2­го типу без синдрому обструктивного апное сну, група 2 — пацієнти з ЦД 2­го типу та синдромом обструктивного апное сну, група 3 — пацієнти із синдромом обструктивного апное сну без порушень вуглеводного обміну. Результати. Аналіз результатів вказує на те, що синдром обструктивного апное сну відзначається у 73 % випадків у пацієнтів із ЦД 2­го типу (у 28 % пацієнтів — синдром обструктивного апное сну середнього ступеня тяжкості та в 42 % — тяжкого ступеня). У групах пацієнтів із синдромом обструктивного апное сну відзначається зниження коефіцієнта ефективності сну, тривалості сну, подовження тривалості неспання після засипання. Збільшення індексу апное/гіпопное сну пов’язано зі збільшенням рівня загального холестерину, ліпопротеїнів низької щільності, тригліцеридів у пацієнтів із ЦД 2­го типу та синдромом обструктивного апное сну. Значення товщини комплексу інтима­медіа сонної артерії у групах із синдромом обструктивного апное сну корелює з більшим навантаженням індексу апное/гіпопное і зниженням насичення крові киснем; збільшення товщини комплексу інтима­медіа в 100 % випадків пов’язано з наявністю хропіння. Висновки. Синдром обструктивного ­апное сну у пацієнтів із ЦД 2­го типу і надмірною масою тіла у поєднанні з нічною гіпоксемією і хропінням пов’язаний із розвитком атеросклерозу сонних артерій.

Trends\ufeff in the prevalence of adult overweight and obesity in Australia, and its association with geographic remoteness

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has been increasing globally and has become a significant public health concern in Australia in the two past decades. This study explores the most recent national prevalence and trends of adult overweight and obesity in Australia. It will also investigate geographic remoteness as a potential risk factor for an individual being overweight or obese in adulthood. A retrospective longitudinal study that utilised 14 successive waves (wave 6 through 19) of a nationally representative linked individual-level survey. Data was obtained from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey. The data on 199,675 observations from 26,713 individuals aged ≥ 15 years over the period 2006 to 2019 was analysed. Random-effects logit model was employed to estimate the association between geographic remoteness and the risk of excessive weight gain. The results reveal that the prevalence of overweight, obesity and combined overweight and obesity among Australian adults in 2019 were 34%, 26% and 60%, respectively. The analysis shows that the prevalence of overweight and obesity varies by geographic remoteness. Adults from regional city urban (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.16–2.03) and rural areas (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.18–1.47) were more likely to be obese compared with their counterparts from major city urban areas. The results also show that adults living in major city urban areas, regional city urban areas, and regional city rural areas in Australia were 1.53 (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.16–2.03), 1.32 (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.18–1.47), and 1.18 (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08–1.29) times more likely to be overweight compared with their counterparts from major city urban areas in Australia. Substantial geographic variation in the prevalence of overweight and obesity exists among Australian adults and appears to be increasing. Public health measures should focus on contextual obesogenic factors and behavioural characteristics to curb the rising prevalence of adult obesity.

Birthweight associations with parental obesity: retrospective analysis of 1,778 singleton term births following assisted reproductive treatment

ObjectiveTo determine the association of combined parental preconception overweight and obesity on infant birthweight.DesignRetrospective study of fresh in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles (2009–2017).SettingRepromed, South Australia, assisted reproductive technology clinic.PatientsCouples undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection insemination with their own gametes and transfer of a fresh single blastocyst (N = 1,778).Intervention(s)None.Main Outcome MeasuresParental body mass index (BMI) was recorded prior to cycle initiation. Infant birthweight was recorded at delivery. The impact of parental obesity and their interaction on first singleton term (≥37 weeks’ gestation) birthweight was assessed using linear regressions assessing nonlinearity and a pairwise linear interactions.ResultsIn the base model where parental BMI is assumed linear, there was strong evidence for higher birthweight with increasing maternal BMI (11.2 g per maternal kg/m2; 95% confidence interval, 7.2, 15.1) but not paternal BMI. The inclusion of a pairwise linear interaction indicated that paternal BMI attenuates the positive association between maternal BMI and infant birthweight (interaction −0.88; 95% confidence interval, −1.49, −0.27). The inclusion of nonlinear maternal BMI terms did not change the conclusions.ConclusionsIncreases in the mean infant birthweight associated with maternal obesity are attenuated when the father is obese. While maternal BMI contributed more to the mean infant birthweight than paternal BMI, a couple-centered approach to preconception health advice is recommended, given the documented relationships between parental obesity and childhood weight beyond infancy. Further studies in both assisted reproductive technology and general population cohorts assessing the parental BMI interaction on infant birthweight are warranted.

Lifestyle factors associated with the transition from healthy to unhealthy adiposity among black South African adults over 10 years

Background and aimsObesity is associated with an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Africa, but some obese individuals maintain cardiometabolic health. The aims were to track metabolically healthy overweight or obesity (MHO) over 10 years in African adults and to identify factors associated with a transition to metabolically unhealthy overweight or obesity (MUO). Methods and resultsThe participants were the South African cohort of the international Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological study. From the baseline data of 1937 adults, 649 women and 274 men were followed for 10 years. The combined overweight and obesity prevalence of men (19.2%–23.8%, p = .02) and women (58%–64.7%, p < .001), and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in all participants (25.4%–40.2%, p < .001) increased significantly. More than a quarter (26.2%) of the women and 10.9% of men were MHO at baseline, 11.4% of women and 5.1% of men maintained MHO over 10 years, while similar proportions (12.3% of women, 4.7% of men) transitioned to MUO. Female sex, age, and total fat intake were positively associated with a transition to MUO over 10 years, while physical activity was negatively associated with the transition. HIV positive participants were more likely to be MHO at follow-up than their HIV negative counterparts. ConclusionsOne in two black adults with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 maintained MHO over 10 years, while a similar proportion transitioned into MUO. Interventions should focus on lower fat intakes and higher physical activity to prevent the transition to MUO.

Stunting and Combined Overweight with Stunting among Schoolchildren in Kuwait: Trends over a 13-Year Period

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the sex- and age-specific trends of stunting and combined overweight with stunting among schoolchildren over a 13-year period in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: The Kuwait Nutrition Surveillance System objectively measured the height of 172,573 schoolchildren (5–19 years) over a 13-year period (2007–2019). Data on gender and date of birth were extracted from school records. Stunting was defined as height 2 standard deviations (SD) below the World Health Organization growth reference median. Logistic regression models were used to examine the trends of stunting over the study period while stratifying by gender. Results: In males, the prevalence of stunting increased from 2.46% in 2007 to 4.18% in 2019 (p for trend <0.001). In females, the prevalence of stunting fluctuated but remained around 3.80% in both 2007 and 2019. The odds of stunting significantly increased in the period 2017–2019 compared to the period 2007–2010 among males, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–1.76); p = 0.009, but not females, AOR 0.89 (95% CI: 0.73–1.07); p = 0.176. Although not statistically significant, there was a tendency for the odds of combined overweight with stunting to increase in males, AOR 1.65 (95% CI: 0.90–3.04); p = 0.087, but not females, AOR 1.13 (95% CI: 0.88–1.45); p = 0.248. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of stunting and combined stunting with overweight is low, there is an emerging upward trend in schoolboys that warrants further investigation and monitoring. This highlights the need for gender-specific interventions to reduce nutritional abnormalities in high-income countries in the Middle East countries like Kuwait.

Fertility is a key predictor of the double burden of malnutrition among women of child-bearing age in sub-Saharan Africa.

BackgroundThe ongoing nutrition transition in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is exhibiting spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability leading to different forms of malnutrition burden across SSA, with some regions exhibiting the double burden of malnutrition. This study aimed to develop a predictive understanding of the malnutrition burden among women of child-bearing age.MethodsData from 34 SSA countries were acquired from the Demographic and Health Survey, World Bank, and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. The SSA countries were classified into malnutrition classes based on their national prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity using a 10% threshold. Next, random forest analysis was used to examine the association between country-level demographic variables and the national prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity. Finally, random forest analysis and multinomial logistic regression models were utilized to investigate the association between individual-level social and demographic variables and Body Mass Index (BMI) categories of underweight, normal weight, and combined overweight and obesity.ResultsFour malnutrition classes were identified: Class A had 5 countries with ≥10% of the women underweight; Class B had 11 countries with ≥10% each of underweight and overweight; Class C1 had 7 countries with ≥10% overweight; and Class C2 had 11 countries with ≥10% obesity. At the country-level, fertility rate predicted underweight, overweight and obesity prevalence, but economic indicators were also important, including the gross domestic product per capita – a measure of economic opportunity that predicted both overweight and obesity prevalence, and the GINI coefficient – a measure of economic inequality that predicted both underweight and overweight prevalence. At the individual-level, parity was a risk factor for underweight in underweight burdened countries and a risk factor for overweight/obesity in overweight/obesity burdened countries, whereas age and wealth were protective factors for underweight but risk factors for overweight/obesity.ConclusionsBeyond the effect of economic indicators, this study revealed the important role of fertility rate and parity, which may represent risk factors for both underweight and combined overweight and obesity among women of child-bearing age. Health professionals should consider combining reproductive health services with nutritional programs when addressing the challenge of malnutrition in SSA.

Overweight and obesity among preschool children attending a rural family health unit in Menoufia governorate

Abstract Background: Obesity in preschool children is a growing problem as it is a predictor of adulthood obesity, morbidity and mortality. Objectives: assess prevalence of overweight and obesity and identify risk factors associated with them among preschool children. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 248 preschool children of both sexes, aged between 2-5 years in rural area in Menoufia Governorate. Sociodemographic data of the studied children and their eating practices were collected. Weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Egyptian practice guidelines were used for cut-off values of BMI-for-age, and percentiles were used to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Results: The overall prevalence of combined overweight and obesity was 21% )15% for overweight and 6% for obesity). Higher prevalence was found among those aged from 3-4 years old (46.7%) and among males (80%). Mothers’ education, frequency of junk food and fried food were significantly associated with overweight and obesity (p < 0.05). Also, BMI was significantly affected by mothers’ feeding behavior such as allowing the child to eat alone, offering him sweets regularly, using sweets as a reward, mothers’ concern about overweight and keeping food out of reach. Conclusion: Prevalence of preschool obesity increases with multiple risk factors, such as mother’s education, frequency of eating junk food and fried food. BMI was affected by mothers’ feeding behavior. So, the first five years of life are the best period for primary prevention of obesity.