Overall Prevalence Of Overweight Research Articles

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in grade five students in schools of Gampaha medical officer of health area

Introduction Overweight in childhood is an emerging health problem in developing countries. Objective To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among grade five school children in schools of Gampaha Medical Officer of Health(MOH) area. Methods A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among the grade five students in government and private schools in Gampaha MOH area during September and October 2007. Nine schools from a total of 46 were selected applying multistage stratified cluster sampling method. Overweight and obesity were detected using age and sex specific body mass index cut-off points recommended by International Obesity Task Force. Results Among the 1110 children included in the study, the prevalence of overweight was 11.3 % (95%CI: 9.4-13.2). The prevalence of obesity was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.3-3.0). The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity were 13.4% and 13.6% for female and male respectively. Prevalence of overweight in private schools was higher than in government schools (p Conclusion Prevalence of overweight and obesity in grade five students in schools of Gampaha MOH area were 11.3 % and 2.2%. Prevalence was higher in private schools. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v19i2.7576 Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka 2014 June 19(2): 11-16

Prevalence of Double Nutrition Burden Among Adolescent Girls of Assam, Northeast India

Introduction: Prevalence of the malnutrition is a very common phenomenon in the developing countries leads to high mortality, morbidity and long-lasting physiologic effects. The present study was conducted among adolescent populations residing in rural regions with an aim to determine the prevalence of double nutritional burden (e.g., thinness and overweight) in Karbi-Anglong district of Assam, Northeast India.Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 1228 heterogeneous groups of adolescent girls aged 10- 16 years residing in rural areas of Diphu, Karbi-Anglong, Assam is using simple random sampling method. The anthropometric measurement of height and weight were recorded using the standard procedure. The Body mass index (BMI=weight/height2, kg/m2) was calculated. Recently proposed, the BMI based age sex specific international references and cut-offs of Cole et al. was used to assess the prevalence of thinness and overweight.Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and thinness was found to be 8.13% and 19.14% respectively. The age specific prevalence of overweight and thinness was found to be higher among 11 years (12.00%) and 16 years (31.13%) respectively.Conclusion: The present study shows the magnitude of thinness is a still greater nutritional problem than overweight in rural adolescent girls in India. The results of the present study will be useful for the policy makers in their endeavour to formulate various developmental strategies and health care programmes of the population concern to combat the double burden of nutrition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.10447J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):132-137

Stable prevalence of obesity in Swedish schoolchildren from 2008 to 2013 but widening socio-economic gap in girls.

The aim of this study was to follow the 5-year prevalence of overweight, obesity and thinness in 7- to 9-year-old children in West Sweden and to investigate whether trends differed according to gender and socio-economic status. Cross-sectional anthropometric measurements of three cohorts in grades one and two were performed in 3492 7- to 9-year-old children in 2008, 2010 and 2013. For body mass index classification, the IOTF/Cole and WHO 2007 references were used. Percentage of inhabitants with high education in the school area was used for socio-economic classification. Between 2008, 2010 and 2013, the overall time-trends in overweight 17.7%, 19.3% and 18.8%, obesity 3.2%, 3.3% and 3.1%, and thinness 6.5%, 4.7% and 6.9%, respectively, were fairly stable using the IOTF/Cole references. Thinness defined by the Cole reference increased in girls. The socio-economic gradient for overweight and obesity was clear by both references, but using the IOTF reference, the gap increased for obesity among girls (p = 0.024). No significant trends were observed with the WHO reference. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was stable over 5 years, but we detected growing inequality in obesity and increasing prevalence of thinness in girls. With these regionally representative data, we can draw conclusions about West Sweden, despite an absence of continued national surveillance.

PO-0076 Prevalence Of Overweight And Obesity Among 5–6-year-old Children In North Part Of Serbia

<h3>Background and aims</h3> Overweight and obesity among children became an important public health concern as their prevalence within the preschool population has been markedly increased in last decades. The aim of the present study was to examine and compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 5–6 year old children either sex in year 2003 and year 2013. <h3>Methods</h3> Overweight and obesity were measured by body mass index (BMI). BMI 85–95th percentile was considered as overweight and BMI ≥ 95th percentile represents obesity. The study was performed in the total population of 859 nonselected 5–6 year old children (423 in 2003 and 436 in 2013) by retrospective analysis of their medical documentations. <h3>Results</h3> The overall prevalence of overweight in 2003 was 9.63%, whereas the prevalence of obesity was 9.46%. However, 10 years later, in 2013, the prevalence of overweight was significantly higher (15.6%) as well as the prevalence of obesity (13.53%). Prevalence of overweight and obesity among preschool children is significantly increased in the last decade (student t-test, p). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Data from 2013 indicate that about 30% of young children encounter the obesity problem. Therefore, children at this age already should represent the priority population for intervention strategies such as control of diet and/or physical activity.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children aged 5 to 14 years in Wannan area, China.

Overweight and obesity are epidemic worldwide. The purpose of this research is to estimate whether the prevalence of obesity among primary school children is high, and to identify its potential determinants to optimize the methods of prevention to combat further increases in childhood overweight. A cross-sectional study was designed to collect the routine health screening data for primary school children in Wannan area, China. Overweight and obesity status were determined using the International Obesity Task Force standard (IOTF) BMI cut-off points. A total of 67956 subjects (36664 male and 31292 female) aged 5-14 years were recruited in this study. Depending on the references used (IOTF), the overall prevalence of overweight, including obesity of the subjects was 17.85% , the prevalence of overweight, including obesity was 22.9% in male subjects and 11.9% in female subjects, respectively. The overall prevalence of obesity was3.7%, the prevalence of obesity was 5.2 % in male subjects and 1.8% in female subjects, respectively. An interesting observation made was that the prevalence of overweight was high in male subjects. Overweight is prevalence among primary school children, especially in male children. The relate department of school and government should take some measure to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

English

BACKGROUND: Obesity in children and adolescents is rapidly reaching epidemic proportions globally as well as in India. It is a well-recognized risk factor for adult obesity, which in turn may be the basis of various chronic diseases. So, by preventing the development of obesity in childhood can reduce the likelihood of obesity in adulthood and its health consequences. AIMS & OBJECTIVES: To find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school children in Bhopal city. MATERIAL & METHODS: STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional descriptive study. STUDY POPULATION: Students studying in IX, X, XI, XII class in government and private schools of Bhopal STUDY PERIOD: July 2012-June 2014 (24 Months) SAMPLING PROCEDURE: Multistage simple random sampling method was used to select schools from a list obtained by Ministry of education. Total 38 schools were chosen to fulfill the sample size, in which 120 students from each school were included under study. METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION: Data was collected by taking anthropometric measurements like body weight, height, BMI (Body mass index), WC (waist circumference). RESULTS: In present study, 256 (5.6%) students were overweight and 46 (1.0%) were obese. Total 2505 (55.0%) of students have waist circumferences between 70 to 85 cm, whereas only 187(4.0%) students have waist circumference more than 85 cm. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 5.6% and 1.0% respectively among school children.

Determinants of overweight and obesity among Bangladeshi diabetic women of reproductive age.

BackgroundSeveral reproductive disorders with overweight and obesity are now known to be associated with insulin resistance. The study was aimed to assess the proportion and determinants of overweight and obesity among diabetic women of reproductive age.MethodsThis cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 888 diabetic women of reproductive age attending the out-patient department (OPD) of the central hospital of the Diabetic Association. Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to assess the general obesity. Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) and Waist-Height Ratio (WHtR) were used to assess central obesity.ResultsThe overall prevalence of overweight was 22% (95% CI 19-24) and that of obesity was 48% (95% CI 45-51). Prevalence of central obesity by waist circumference was 77%, by waist-hip ratio was 99.9% and by waist-height ratio was 89%. Overweight and obesity were higher in the age group of 45-49 years (49%) and 35-44 years (24%) respectively. On Pearson’s correlation analysis, BMI and WC were significantly correlated with age (r = 0.135, p = 0.001; r = 0.162, p = 0.001) and income (r = 0.151, p = 0.001; r = 0.087, p = 0.009) respectively. WHR was also correlated with income (r = 0.094, p = 0.005). Moreover, WHtR was significantly correlated with age (r = 0.139, p = 0.001), income (r = 0.069, p = 0.04) and duration of diabetes (r = 0.073, p = 0.03).On binary logistic regression analysis, BMI was significantly associated with age, income and management of diabetes by Oral Hypoglycemic Agent (OHA) (p < 0.05). WC was significantly associated with age, income and management of diabetes by OHA and insulin (p < 0.05). Where, WHR was significantly associated only with duration of diabetes (p < 0.05). WHtR was significantly associated with age (p < 0.05), management of diabetes by OHA (p < 0.05) and insulin (p < 0.05) in this analysis.ConclusionsA high prevalence of both overweight and obesity exists in diabetic women of reproductive age in Bangladesh and it seems to be associated with increasing age, income, duration of diabetes, and use of oral hypoglycemic agents.

Overweight and Obesity among the Adolescent School Students in Belgaum City

The World Health Organization defines obesity as a 'global epidemic'. An overweight adolescent has a 70% chance of becoming obese. Overweight and obese adolescents are at higher risk for developing long-term chronic diseases. So the present study objective is to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescent school students A sample size of 300 adolescent students was taken to do a cross-sectional study. Body weight and height were recorded and body mass index was categorized based on age-and sex-specific cut-off values as per International Obesity Task Force reference growth charts. Proportions of obese, overweight and underweight children were calculated and subjected to chi-square and logistic regression tests at the p < 0.05 significance level. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity in the present study were 12% and 3.3% respectively. The highest prevalence was among those aged 15 years i.e. 36.7%. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher among the subject who did not practice physical activity and whose family income was more than 10,000 per month. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents student in Belgaum city was high which is statistically associated with less physically activity and monthly income of parent.

Prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity in the workers of Shiraz hospitals

Background: Obesity is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality that detection of its risk factors will lead to a reduction in its burden. Aim and objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its determinants among Shiraz hospitals’ staff. A random sample of 1023 hospitals staff was selected with categorical random sampling method. Data were collected by questions of demographic/occupational/ GHQ28/ IHS (International Headache Society) and general physical examinations. Result: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity were estimated 27.8 % and 7.0% respectively. Prevalence of overweight and obesity were 28.5 and 6.7% in men and 27.5 and 7.1% in women respectively. Univariate and multiple linear regressions in SPSS v19 were used for analysis. In multiple linear regressions, BMI had direct relationship with age, having tension headache and systolic and diastolic blood pressure and indirect relationship with irregular sleeping and widow (er) status. Smoking, shift work and exercise were among the variables that showed no association with BMI. Conclusion: BMI status deserves more attention, especially concerning strategies leading to primary prevention and control. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.10897 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.260-267

Obesity epidemic has emerged among Nigerians.

BackgroundData from the WHO shows that the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased by ~20% between 2002 and 2010 in Nigeria. We conducted this study to examine the correlates of this fast growing epidemic.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among a random sample of 1058 adults, who were visitors and staff of a government worksite in Abuja, an urban city in Nigeria. The study participants had varying socio-economic status and a wide range of occupations, including skilled labor and professionals. Log-binomial regression models were used to estimate the multivariable-adjusted associations of potential determinants with the prevalence of overweight and obesity.ResultThe mean age and body-mass index of the study population were 42 years ± (9.3) and 27 kg/m2 ± (4.8). The overall prevalence of overweight or obesity (body-mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) was 64% (74% of the women and 57% of the men). For women compared to men, the prevalence ratio (PR) and (95% confidence interval, CI) was 1.24 (95% CI 1.08, 1.43, p = 0.004), for overweight, and 2.54 (95% CI 2.08, 3.10, p = <0.0001), for obesity. Individuals aged 40 – 49 years were more likely to be overweight or obese. The PR for overweight and obesity was 1.45 (95% CI 1.07, 1.97), p for age trend = 0.002 and 8.07(95% CI 3.01, 21.66, p for age trend = <0.0001) for those aged 40 – 49 years, compared with those aged <30 years. Compared with the individuals in the lower socio-economic status, the PR for obesity among those in the middle and high socio-economic statuses, were 1.39 (95% CI 1.13, 1.72) and 1.24 (95% CI 0.97, 1.59) respectively, p for trend = 0.003.ConclusionAbout two-thirds of urban, professional, high socio-economic status Nigerian adults are either overweight or obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among this population of adult Nigerians, is as high as it is in the United Kingdom. Female gender and older age were independent predictors of overweight and obesity; while middle or high socio-economic status were independently associated with obesity.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among a university faculty and staffs from 2004 to 2010 in Wuhu, China.

Overweight and obesity are epidemic worldwide. Our present study was to examine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a university faculty and staffs using two references [Working Group on Obesity references in China (2004) and World Health Organization (WHO) criteria 2000 ]. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among university faculty and staffs in China. A cross-sectional study was designed to collect the routine health screening data for a university faculty and staffs from 2004 to 2010(2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010); the subjects aged 22-94 years. Depending on the references used (China and WHO, respectively), the overall prevalence of overweight, including obesity of the subjects was 36.1% and 25.5%, the prevalence of obesity was 5.3%, and 1.5%, respectively, the prevalence of overweight, including obesity among the male subjects was 46% and 32.5%, respectively, the prevalence of overweight, including obesity among the female subjects was 21% and 14.1%, respectively, An interesting observation made was that the overall prevalence of overweight was increased with age. Regarding the harmful of overweight and obesity, it is encourage reducing liberal food environment and increasing physical activity among university faculty and staffs, especially for male faculty.

Overweight and obesity of children in Guam (1024.3)

In response to the U.S. federal mandate (P.L. 108‐265) the Government of Guam passed P.L. 28‐87, which established The Healthy Wellness Policy within the Guam Department of Education. The local law allowed for the uniformed collection of BMI from school children in Guam. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity of children (Head Start to 12th grade) enrolled in the Guam Department of Education in 2010‐2011. Trained school health counselors collected height and weight measures of students from all public school districts on Guam. The SAS Program for the CDC Growth Charts was used to calculate BMI percentiles for each child. A total of 25,501 children (12,309 boys; 12,147 girls) were measured. The overall prevalence of overweight (Confidence Interval) was 15.5% (15.0‐15.9); 16.2% (15.6‐16.9) in males and 14.8% (14.2‐15.4) in females. The overall prevalence of obesity was 23% (22.5‐23.5); 19.6% (18.9‐20.3) in males and 26.2% (25.4‐26.9) in females. This is the first official report of the overweight and obesity status of the public school children in Guam. Continued collection and surveillance of child overweight and obesity in the Guam Department of Education is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of activities pursuant to the Healthy Wellness Policy, and to inform future plans to address childhood obesity in Guam.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Guam DOE Federal Programs &amp; Student Support Services Divisions; University of Guam CES

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese elderly aged 60 and above in 2010

To describe the prevalence on overweight and obesity among Chinese elderly aged 60 and above. Data from China Chronic Disease Surveillance in 2010 was gathered and information on 19 882 subjects aged 60 and over was analyzed. Sample was weighted to represent the population of Chinese elderly. The mean and percentiles of BMI, prevalence of overweight and obesity grouped by sex, age, urban and rural areas, geographic location, education level and household income were analyzed. The mean BMI was (23.8 ± 3.6)kg/m² among the Chinese elderly. The overall prevalence of overweight was 32.1% among the Chinese elderly, with 31.0% among males and 33.3% among females (χ² = 15.23, P < 0.05), 38.3% in urban areas and 29.1% in rural areas (χ² = 29.05, P < 0.05). The overall prevalence of obesity was 12.4% among Chinese elderly, with 9.3% among males and 15.3% among females (χ² = 152.75, P < 0.05), 16.5% in urban areas and 10.3% in rural areas (χ² = 20.67, P < 0.05). Compared with those with lower income or lower education level, the prevalence rates of both overweight and obesity were higher in elderly with higher household income or higher education level. According the WHO definitions on overweight and obesity, the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity among Chinese elderly were 29.3% (25 kg/m² ≤ BMI<30 kg/m²) and 5.3% (BMI≥30 kg/m²) , respectively. Approximately, 50% of the Chinese elderly showed abnormal high body mass index. The profiles of body weight among Chinese elderly were characterized by the mean of BMI and the higher prevalence rates of overweight and obesity seen in women than in men, higher in urban than in rural areas, The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity decreased with age but increased with household income and education level.

English

INTRODUCTION: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally and there is an alarming trend in the rise in childhood obesity. In the majority it is caused by an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise in children. With more fast-food restaurants appearing on every street corner it gives children an easy way to eat more unhealthy food. Children are also happier when they sit for hours in front of television or play on their play station. Studies show that in India, nearly 15 to 20% of children are overweight and 30% are in the risk of falling in this category. Although much importance has been given to under-nutrition in our country, obesity is slowly emerging as the future-killer. Hence this study is a small endeavour to know the knowledge and attitude of school children studying in government and private schools in Khammam regarding dietary habits. MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out to study the Knowledge, attitude and dietary practices of secondary school students in Khammam town over a period of two months. List of schools was obtained from Secondary Education Board. Among the total available schools 128 (includes 38 Government, 90 Private schools), 12 schools were included in the study (6 schools from Government &6 schools from Private strata were selected conveniently). Pre tested, pre designed questionnaire was given to Students that included questions on their eating habits and physical activity and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated using Quetelets index. Body mass index (BMI) was used to assess students' weight status. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS version 21.0). OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a randomly selected government and private urban schools in Khammam. To assess the Knowledge, attitude regarding dietary practices of secondary school students of Khammam town. RESULTS: Among total number of students selected for study (847) 55.85% were male and 44.15% were female. Majority (96.58%) of the children belong to 13-16 years of age. Almost 50.06% are from government and 49.94% are from private school. The overall prevalence of overweight was 1.77% and obesity was 1.18%.

Eating Behaviours of University Students in Southern Nigeria: An Evaluation of Sex Differences

University students besides been the future nation builders, also represent the most viable population for education in the field of healthy lifestyles and eating habits. Although, eating habits are major determinate of health status, the eating habits of university students in Southern Nigeria has not been well documented. We aim to investigate their eating habits and sex difference with the view that our findings will be useful in developing adequate nutrition education. The participants, 108 students (48.2% male and 51.9% female), aged 24.1±4.1 filled out a self-reported questionnaire. Height and weight measurement were obtained. Eating habits, frequency of food intake, eating attitudes and fat-related dietary habits were reported. Our data showed that the majority of the students (52.8%) were of normal weight (male 51.9% compared to female 53.6%). The overall prevalence of overweight (obese inclusive) was 40.4% for male and 35.7% for female. In terms of meal consumption frequency, students showed fairly good eating habits. There was no significant sex difference in the frequency of meal intake. Smoking was not common habit among students. Male students had significant lower means scores for modify meat to be low in fat and substitute high fat product with low fat. The correlation analysis of UPI subscale and eating attitude factors revealed some sex variations. For instance, eating attitude factors of F1 and F3 were positively associated with stress and dieting among male students but not for female students while UPI total, depression, anxiety and obsession was significantly related with hours of sleep per night for female but not for male students. Thus, patterns of association suggest a modulating effect of sex on eating behaviors. Efforts aimed at modifying unhealthy eating habits may benefit from a tailored approach, which takes into account individual differences in these factors.

Parental body mass index is associated with adolescent overweight and obesity in Mashhad, Iran.

This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school children aged 12 to 14 years in the city of Mashhad, Iran and its association with parental body mass index. A total of 1189 secondary school children (579 males and 610 females) aged 12- 14 years old were selected through a stratified multistage random sampling. All adolescents were measured for weight and height. Household socio-demographic information and parental weight and height were self-reported by parents. Adolescents were classified as overweight or obese based on BMI-for age Z-score. Multivariable logistic Regression (MLR) determined the relationship between parental BMI and adolescent overweight and obesity. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school children in Mashhad was 17.2% and 11.9%, respectively. A higher proportion of male (30.7%) than female (27.4%) children were overweight or obese. BMI of the children was significantly related to parental BMI (p<0.001), gender (p= 0.02), birth order (p<0.01), parents' education level (p<0.001), father's employment status (p<0.001), and family income (p<0.001). MLR showed that the father's BMI was significantly associated with male BMI (OR: 2.02) and female BMI (OR: 1.59), whereas the mother's BMI was significantly associated with female BMI only (OR: 0.514). The high prevalence of overweight/obesity among the research population compared with previous studies in Iran could be related to the changing lifestyle of the population. The strong relationship with parental BMI was probably related to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Strategies to address childhood obesity should consider the interaction of these factors.

Prevalence of Overweight and/or Obesity and Associated Factors among High School Adolescents in Arada Sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Introduction: In recent years, overweight and/or obesity among children and adolescents have emerged as a global epidemic. Overweight and/or obesity during adolescence predispose them to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in adulthood. However, information regarding overweight and/or obesity is still scarce for primary prevention. Thus, this study aimed at assessing prevalence of overweight and/or obesity and factors associated with them. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was employed. The participants were 800 high school adolescents aged 15–19 years selected using multistage sampling technique. Body mass index (BMI) was used to determine the nutritional status. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were considered. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and/or obesity was found to be 75 (9.4%). Having small family size (AOR=3.10 95% CI: 1.69-5.53), learning in private school (AOR=2.73 95% CI: 1.36-5.49), being with lower middle income family (AOR=2.40 95% CI: 1.07-5.37) and living in male headed household (AOR=2.56 95% CI: 1.25-5.24) were significantly and positively associated with overweight and/or obesity. Adolescents in 15-17 years of age (AOR=0.44 95% CI: 0.25-0.75) and those who were walking at least 30 minutes in a day (AOR= 0.40 95% CI: 0.19-0.65) were negatively associated with overweight and/or obesity. Conclusion: This study revealed that overweight and/or obesity are becoming major public health problem. Learning in private school, having small family size, being in male headed household and living in lower middle income household were positively associated with overweight and/or obesity. Early adolescents and those who walk at least 30 minutes per day have inverse relationships. This study showed that promoting active lifestyles and healthy diets should be national public health priority.

Overweight and obesity prevalence and trends in children and adolescents in Cyprus 2000–2010

To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 2010 and examine prevalence trends between 2000 and 2010 among school-aged children and adolescents in Cyprus. A representative cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2010. Anthropometric data were taken using standard methods from 3090 children. The IOTF cut-offs were used to define overweight and obese participants, and prevalence was compared with a previous representative study performed in 2000. Prevalences with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated and logistic regression models were used to estimate 10-year trends. The overall prevalence of obesity was higher in 2010 (8.1% [95%CI: 7.1, 9.1]) compared to 2000 (5.9% [95%CI: 5.0, 6.8]), p=0.002. The overall prevalence of overweight was also higher in 2010 (20.1% [95%CI: 18.7, 21.5]) compared to 2000 (16.5% [95%CI: 15.0, 18.0]), p<0.001. The prevalence of obesity increased at a greater rate in school-aged boys (p=0.017), and in rural areas (p=0.001). In rural areas, high maternal education background is associated with a decreased odds for obesity; odds ratio 0.35 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.69), p=0.003. The prevalence of obesity and overweight in children and adolescents in Cyprus has increased substantially over a decade, mainly in rural areas and in school-aged boys.

Overweight and obesity among Jordanian women and their social determinants

This study aimed to explore the social determinants associated with obesity among Jordanian women using the national data from the Jordan Population and Family Health Survey 2009. We found the overall prevalence of overweight was 30% and obesity was 38.8% among Jordanian women aged 15-49 years. Results of multivariate analysis showed that age; residing in the south region of Jordan, marriage at an early age, parity, wealth status and smoking were statistically significant predictors of overweight and obesity among women in Jordan. Our results show that there is an urgent need to implement health programmes to prevent and control overweight and obesity at the national level. Social determinants should be taking into consideration in designing. and implementing these programmes.

Prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños y adolescentes de Cochabamba (Bolivia); estudio transversal

BACKGROUND: The anthropometric status of school age children and young adolescents in Andean countries is not well known. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obese children and adolescents in the Cochabamba region (Bolivia), and their association with different variables, as well as to determine the agreement between two classifications (BAP, IOTF) of obesity and overweight. METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional survey (n=441) was carried out in 2010 in pupils, aged 5 to 16 years old, living in the Cochabamba region (Bolivia). Evaluations were based on parent-administered questionnaires and a physical examination based on anthropometric measures. Descriptive, bivariate, and concordance analyses were performed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity were 20.9% (CI95% 17.1-24.7) and 3.2% (CI 95% 1.6-4.8) respectively, with higher incidences in younger birth cohorts from rural areas. No differences were observed according to gender, parent’s educational level, nutritional patterns, or physical activity. There was a moderate agreement globally and on overweight, and excellent on obesity. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that the prevalence of overweight and obese Bolivian school children is increasing, mainly in younger birth cohorts from rural areas, independently from physical activity and energy intake.