Prevalence Of Obesity In Girls Research Articles

Changes in the prevalence of obesity in Czech adolescents between 2018 and 2022 and its current non-genetic correlates – HBSC study

BackgroundThe main aim of the study is to examine changes in the prevalence of obesity in Czech adolescents between 2018 and 2022 and its current non-genetic correlates with respect to the adolescents’ families’socioeconomic status (SES) in 2022.MethodsThe sample of 24,535 adolescents (n = 11,629/12,9062018/2022; boys: 50.4/50.6%2018/2022) aged 10.5–16.5 years that was analysed was drawn from two nationally representative cohorts of Czech youngsters from the last two cycles of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) online questionnaire survey from 2018 to 2022. Obesity is represented by the > 97th percentile interval on the World Health Organization Body Mass Index percentile chart, with distinctions by sex and the age of adolescents. The differences in the prevalence of obesity between boys and girls from all SES family categories in 2018 and 2022 were tested using a chi-square test (χ2). Multiple logistic regression analysis with repeated measures was used to analyse correlates of obesity in 2022.ResultsBetween 2018 and 2022, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of obesity in girls or boys in any of the SES categories of families. Adolescents from low-SES families have the highest prevalence of obesity, 11% for boys and 5.8% for girls, significantly higher (p < .001) than its prevalence among adolescents from high-SES families, by + 4.8% points for boys and + 3.9% points for girls. Among adolescents from low-SES families, individuals who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) daily (p < .005) or vigorous PA three times per week (p < .05) were significantly less likely to be obese than their less active peers. Skipping breakfast significantly (p < .05) increased the odds of obesity, but only among adolescents from low-SES families. Shorter screen time (ST) significantly (p < .05) reduced the odds of obesity for all categories of adolescent SES.ConclusionsObesity is most pronounced in adolescents from low-SES families as a result of a long-term positive energy balance mediated by unbalanced behaviour. Significantly lower odds of obesity in adolescents from low-SES families were confirmed to be associated with regular practice of the recommended PA, shorter ST, and not skipping breakfast.

Using the National Indonesian Growth Chart to assess short stature and obesity in urban schoolchildren in Surakarta, Indonesia: comparisons to the WHO 2007 and CDC 2000 Growth Charts

Background The National Indonesian Growth Chart (NIGC) is a new growth chart based on Indonesian population data. To date, the CDC 2000 or WHO 2007 charts have been widely used in Indonesia to assess the growth of 5-to-18-year-old children. Use of these reference charts may lead to inaccurate conclusions about children’s nutritional status, particularly when diagnosing short stature or obesity. &#x0D; Objective To compare assessments of short stature and obesity in Indonesian urban schoolchildren and adolescents based on CDC, WHO, and NIGC reference charts.&#x0D; Methods Pooled anthropometric data [height, weight, and body mass index (BMI)] were collected cross-sectionally from healthy schoolchildren aged 6 to 18 years in Surakarta in 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2019. We created scatterplots for height, weight, and BMI and analyzed differences in height-for-age (HAZ) and BMI (BAZ) z-scores according to the CDC, WHO, and NIGC growth charts, then calculated differences in proportions of children identified as having short stature or obesity.&#x0D; Results We included 2,582 subjects; 63% were girls. Subjects’ mean age was 13.1 (SD 3.4) years. Mean differences in HAZ between the NIGC vs. CDC chart and NIGC vs. WHO chart were 1.44 (SD 0.01) and 1.39 (SD 0.00), respectively. Mean differences in BAZ between the NIGC vs. CDC chart and NIGC vs. WHO chart were 0.18 (SD 0.01) and 0.06 (SD 0.01), respectively. The prevalence of short stature was 9.91%, 11.62%, and 0.39% according to the WHO, CDC, and NIGC charts, respectively. The prevalence of obesity was 10.15%, 5.07%, and 11.77% according to the WHO, CDC, and NIGC charts, respectively. The prevalence of obesity according to the WHO, CDC, and NIGC was 7.44%, 2.95%, and 10.08%, respectively in girls and 14.76%, 8.69%, and 14.66%, respectively in boys.&#x0D; Conclusion The use of the NIGC resulted in a lower prevalence of short stature compared to the CDC or WHO charts. Compared to the WHO charts, the NIGC gave a similar prevalence of obesity overall and in boys, but a higher prevalence of obesity in girls. Compared to the CDC charts, the NIGC gave a higher prevalence of obesity both in boys and girls.

Reversal of the Upward Trend of Obesity in Boys, but Not in Girls, in Spain.

(1) Background: To compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity in boys and girls and to estimate socioeconomic differences associated with obesity in Spain in 1997, 2007, and 2017. (2) Methods: Data were drawn from national health interview surveys. For each year of study, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was measured, and these results were compared by gender (boy/girl) and socioeconomic status (low/high education). (3) Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity rose from 1997 to 2007 but then fell in 2017 in all subgroups except in girls aged 10 to 15 years. In this group, there was a steady increase in the prevalence of both overweight (1997, 14.6%; 2007, 17.7%; 2017, 19.6%) and obesity (1.1, 3.2, and 3.7%, respectively). The decrease in prevalence of overweight in both sexes and of obesity in boys, along with the increase in prevalence of obesity in girls, was of a higher magnitude in children whose parents had a lower educational level. (4) Conclusions: The apparent turnaround in the obesity epidemic in Spain should be interpreted with caution. Children’s body weight is influenced by both gender and socioeconomic status—considerations that should be kept in mind when designing health promotion interventions.

Ten-year secular trend of overweight and obesity in school children in south-eastern Poland.

To examine the trend in prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren from south-eastern Poland over a 10-year period. A cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected primary schools. In total, 4,248 children (2,182 boys and 2,066 girls), mean age 10.5±2.4 years, were examined in 1998, and 2,412 children (1,184 boys and 1,228 girls), mean age 10.5±2.3 years in 2008. In each school the entire population was studied. In 2008, the prevalence of overweight in girls was 13.3% and obesity 7.7%, compared to 12.0% and 10.1% in 1998. The decrease in obesity prevalence was statistically significant. In boys, the prevalence of overweight in 2008 was 14.2% and obesity 6.4%, compared to 10.5% and 6.8% in 1998. The increase in overweight prevalence among boys was statistically significant. A trend toward stabilization of the prevalence of overweight and obesity was noted in school children from south-eastern Poland between 1998-2008. The declining prevalence of obesity in girls and increased prevalence of overweight in boys demonstrates that in this age group of children the secular trend is gender dependent.

Obesity risk factors in a representative group of Polish prepubertal children.

IntroductionThe study aim was to evaluate risk factors of obesity in Polish children aged 7 to 9 years.Material and methodsA representative group of 2571 children (1268 girls and 1303 boys) was randomly selected according to the European Childhood Obesity Group protocol. Weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A questionnaire was completed by the children's parents with respect to behavioural and family-related risk factors of obesity. International Obesity Task Force criteria were used for classification of children's obesity.ResultsObesity was found in 3.7% of girls and 3.6% of boys. There was a statistically significant association between the prevalence of obesity in girls and their mother's obesity: OR = 5.06 (1.96–13.05), p < 0.001, father's obesity: OR = 5.19 (1.96–13.69), p < 0.001, and both parents’ obesity: OR = 5.43 (1.39–21.29), p = 0.01. Obesity in boys was significantly associated with mother's obesity: OR = 5.6 (2.6–12.02), p < 0.001, father's obesity: OR = 6.21 (2.89–13.37), p < 0.001, and both parents’ obesity: OR = 7.22 (2.44–31.33), p < 0.001. Skipping or irregular eating of breakfast was a risk factor for obesity in girls with OR = 2.71 (1.33–5.51), p = 0.005. Neither family income nor parents’ education level was related to their offspring's obesity. TV watching, physical activity level and eating in fast food places were not significant risk factors for obesity.ConclusionsEating breakfast regularly seems to protect girls from obesity development while low physical activity is not a significant obesity risk factor in this age group for either boys or girls. This finding stresses the more important role of healthy diet than physical activity promotion in obesity prevention in prepubertal children.

Growth and obesity in 7-year-old Croatian children: secular changes from 1991 to 2008

The study analyses secular changes in body weight, height and body mass index (BMI) in children in the Splitsko-dalmatinska County, Croatia, in the period from 1991 to 2008. The overweight/obesity trends from 1991 to 1999 and from 2000 to 2008 are assessed. The study included three cohorts of healthy 7-year-old children, measured during their regular medical examination before enrolment at school: 1991 (n = 514), 1999 (n = 428) and 2008 (n = 452), in a total of 1,394 children, 686 (49.21%) of whom were girls. Overweight/obesity was defined according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria. From 1991 to 2008, there was a statistically significant rise in body weight and BMI in boys and girls (1.47 vs 1.50 kg; 0.55 vs 0.75 kg) and height in boys (1.4 cm). In 2008, the girls were 0.14 kg heavier and 0.39 cm taller than the girls of the same age measured in 1999, but their BMI was lower by 0.02 units. The frequency of obesity rose from 1991 to 2008 by 1.4 times in boys and 1.7 times in girls. The prevalence of obesity in girls rose from 1991 to 1999 (from 4.3% to 8.6%), but in 2008, it fell (7.1%). The prevalence of obesity in boys fell in 1999 (from 4.3% to 3.9%) but rose in 2008 (6.2%). The values of body weight, height and BMI in the observed population moved from 1991 to 2008 towards higher WHO standard values, which is descriptive of the problem of obesity and supports the need to consider the choice of cut-off points for obesity/overweight in local and national studies. In conclusion, the slowdown noticed in secular changes in body weight and BMI is encouraging and shows the importance of continuous paediatric health care for children, combined with an altered attitude in society towards obesity in children.

Changes in fitness, body mass index and obesity in 9–10 year olds

The prevalence of obesity in children has increased substantially in recent years and, paediatric obesity and poor fitness are risk factors for disease. The present study aimed to assess changes in body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of obesity and changes in aerobic endurance over time in 9-10-year-old schoolchildren. Participants were recruited by the SportsLinx project from primary schools across Liverpool. Height and weight data were used to calculate BMI. The prevalence of obesity and overweight were estimated using age- and sex-specific cut-off points. Performance on the 20-m multi-stage shuttle runs test (20 mMST) was used as a marker of aerobic endurance. Data were available for 13,418 (6572 boys, 6846 girls) 9-10-year-old children. Analysis of covariance was completed to assess year-on-year changes in BMI controlling for deprivation (IMD) and 20 mMST performance, and 20 mMST performance controlling for IMD and BMI. No significant changes in BMI from baseline were observed (P > 0.05). Obesity prevalence reduced in girls (2005 = 10.3%, 2008 = 8.52% in 2008). The data for boys showed no reductions in prevalence (2005 = 6.77%, 2008 = 7.87%). The most recent cohort for boys and two most recent cohorts for girls had lower levels of aerobic endurance than baseline (2004-2005) (P <or= 0.01). The data suggest a plateau in the yearly increases in BMI in 9-10 year olds independent of deprivation and fitness and a declining prevalence of obesity in girls. Levels of aerobic endurance have declined independent of BMI and deprivation. The current obesity interventions in place appear to be having some impact on BMI, but further investment is urged to promote fitness in children.

Estado nutricional, consumo de alimentos y actividad física en escolares mujeres de diferente nivel socioeconómico de Santiago de Chile

A high prevalence of obesity is the main public health problem in Chilean school children. To compare the nutritional status, consumption of selected foods and extracurricular physical activity (PA) habits in school children of different socioeconomic levels as a baseline for developing effective educational interventions. Cross-sectional study that determined the body mass index, food consumption and physical activity with previously validated instruments in 202 and 358 girls from 3rd to 8th grade in schools of medium-high and low socioeconomic level (SEL) from Santiago, Chile, respectively. Compared to their counterparts of low socioeconomic level (SEL), the prevalence of obesity was significantly lower in 8-9 year-old girls of medium high SEL (19% and 9%, respectively, p =0.012) and 12-13 year-old (12% and 2.5% respectively, p =0.008). Also median daily intake of dairy products was higher in girls of medium high SEL (250 and 470 ml/day, respectively). The intake of fruits and vegetables was similar (200 g/d); and the intake of bread was lower (230 and 70 g/day, respectively, p <0.01). Consumption of energy-dense foods was lower in 10-13 year-old girls of medium high SEL (80 and 50 g/day, respectively, p <0.01). 45% of 8-9 year-old girls and 35% of 12-13 year-old girls of both SEL engaged in PA four or more times per week (NS). Although the prevalence of obesity in girls of medium-high SEL was not as high as in those from low SEL, it is still high. There is a need for educational interventions to improve their food and PA habits and to promote an environment that enhances healthy behaviors.

Effect on prevalence rates of using three different definitions of obesity in 9–10 year old children

Introduction Body Mass Index (BMI) is frequently used to define body fatness. In children, curves extrapolated from adult BMI values and percentile curves are often used to plot overweight and obesity cut-offs throughout childhood, taking phases of growth into account. Three methods are commonly used to classify childhood BMI: UK 1990 Growth Foundation, Cole et al (2000) and Chinn and Rona (2002) cut-off values. There is little agreement about which of these methods is the most reliable. This study examined the prevalence of obesity in 9–10 year old children using the three cut-off measures. Methods BMI data on 9–10 year old school children collected by the Liverpool SportsL Linx project were examined using the three classification methods to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity. This was conducted on six successive cohorts of children, from academic years 1998–99 to 2003–04. Results Substantial differences in the prevalence of obesity were apparent when using the three cut-offs. For example, obesity prevalence in girls in 2004: UK 1990 = 14.4%, Cole et al (2000) = 10.5%, Chinn and Rona (2002) = 10.3%. The UK 1990 cut-off points resulted in an increased prevalence of obesity and reduced prevalence of overweight compared to the other cut-offs (e.g. boys' obesity in 2004: UK 1990 = 16.79%, Chinn and Rona = 12.1%). Conclusion The Cole et al results gave a similar prevalence of obesity in girls when compared with the Chinn and Rona findings, but appeared to classify boys and girls differently. Since the Cole et al (2000) figures are based on a limited international data set, we suggest the wider use of the Chinn and Rona reference cut-off values.

Outcome after depot gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist treatment for central precocious puberty: effects on body mass index and final height

In their interesting paper, Arrigo et al. (1) investigated longitudinally body mass index (BMI) evolution and prevalence of obesity in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (CPP) who were treated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs (LHRHa) for at least 2 years. They demonstrated that suppression of the pituitary –gonadal axis function was accompanied by a significant decrease in being overweight. They observed that girls with CPP are frequently obese at diagnosis, suggesting that the pretreatment increase in BMI is due to pubertal hormonal changes and secondary changes in body fat, rather than being a result of CPP (1). We have retrospectively reviewed 29 female patients with idiopathic CPP. The main criteria for diagnosis of idiopathic CPP were (1) onset of breast development and/or menses before 8 years of age, (2) pubertal luteinizing hormone (LH) response to exogenous LHRH (LH peak .10 IU/l), (3) no evidence of hypothalamo –pituitary lesions at magnetic resonance imaging and (4) no additional conditions that might affect BMI. Predicted height was calculated using a computerized Byley–Pinneau method (2). We assessed height SDS, BMI and BMI SDS (3) before, 1 year after the beginning of therapy, at the end of therapy and 2.5 years after the end of therapy. A group of 45 healthy girls with normal onset of puberty was matched for age or for pubertal stage. Statistical analysis was performed with x test and paired sample t-test (P was considered significant if ,0.01). Auxological findings (height SDS, BMI and BMI SDS) and statistical analysis are shown in Table 1. The mean period of treatment was 2.1 years (range 1.9 – 3.1 years). The mean age of menarche in 19 out of 29 girls was 12.1 years (range 10.4 –13.7 years). Eighteen patients complained of side-effects: 16 girls had headache (11 out of 16 isolated headache, two out of 16 with spotting, one out of 16 with joint pain, one out of 16 with increased appetite and one out of 16 with abdominal pain), one girl had isolated spotting and one girl had isolated increased appetite. The final height of the treated girls was in the normal range for parental target height. The reproductive axis appeared to have returned to normal in our patients, with normal menses in 19 out of 30 girls who had already had menarche at the time of our study. In contrast to the study by Arrigo et al. (1) showing a reduction in baseline BMI under LHRHa therapy in girls with CPP, we found an increasing trend in BMI after the first year of therapy, and this did not change after therapy was stopped. With regard to BMI SDS, few changes were observed during the first year of therapy, while an increasing trend was observed at the end of therapy and a complete recovery after 2.5 years of the end of therapy. Nevertheless, in both girls with CPP and the control group, the mean BMI increased; in fact the value in the patients was as much as in the control group during therapy and at the end of therapy. Mean BMI SDS, different in the two groups, was significantly higher in the patients at the end of therapy than in controls, suggesting that the difference was due to the treatment. The data available in the literature on the effects of LHRHa treatment on BMI are few and controversial. Excessive weight gain can occur by various mechanisms: menopausal-like phenomena, or the influence of LHRHa on hypothalamic and/or leptin-mediated control of body weight (4). Some authors have highlighted the fact that obesity is frequent among children with CPP, but does not appear to be related to the longterm pituitary–gonadal suppression induced by LHRHa therapy (5–7). On the other hand, Feuillan et al. (8) showed the association of both CPP and LHRHa with obesity in patients who had increased BMI at initial presentation and during therapy; this condition persisted after discontinuation of therapy and progresses to frank obesity (8).

Prevalence of Obesity With Increased Blood Pressure in Elementary School-Aged Children

The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of obesity in school-aged children in Jefferson County, Alabama; to learn when school-aged children become obese; to determine the susceptible groups; and to study the association between obesity and blood pressure. During the school year, 5,953 children, ranging in age from 5 years to 11 years, were screened for weight, height, and blood pressure, using standardized techniques. We found that obesity, defined as > or = 120% of ideal body weight for height, is prevalent in 5-year-old to 11-year-old children. The prevalence of obesity in girls at age 5 was 23% in blacks and 10% in whites, rising to 47% in blacks and 27% in whites by age 11. In boys, the prevalence of obesity at age 5 was 13% in blacks and 6% in whites, rising to 29% in blacks and 22% in whites by age 11. The prevalence of obesity is significantly greater in black than in white children and is also significantly greater in girls than boys. The systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in obese than in non-obese children. We conclude that the significant prevalence of childhood obesity and an associated complication, increased blood pressure, emerge in school-aged children. Thus, we recommend investigations of prevention and intervention programs to be used in the school setting.

Race, socioeconomic status, and obesity in 9- to 10-year-old girls: The NHLBI growth and health study

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether measures of socioeconomic status (SES) are inversely associated with obesity in 9- to 10-year-old black and white girls and their parents. Subjects were participants in the Growth and Health Study (NGHS) of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Extensive SES, anthropometric, and dietary data were collected at baseline on 2379 NGHS participants. The prevalence of obesity was examined in the NGHS girls and parents in relation to SES and selected environmental factors. Less obesity was observed at higher levels of household income and parental education in white girls but not in black girls. Among the mothers of the NGHS participants who were seen, lower prevalence of obesity was observed with higher levels of income and education for white mothers, but no consistent patterns were seen in black mothers. Univariate logistic models indicated that the prevalence of obesity was significantly and inversely associated with parental income and education and number of parents in the household in white girls whereas caloric intake and TV viewing were significantly and positively associated with obesity. Among black girls, only TV viewing was significantly and positively associated with the prevalence of obesity. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that lower parental educational attainment, one-parent household, and increased caloric intake were significantly associated with the prevalence of obesity in white girls; for black girls, only increased hours of TV viewing were significant in these models. It is concluded that socioeconomic status, as measured by education and income, was related to the prevalence of obesity in girls, with racial variation in these associations. A lower prevalence of obesity was seen at higher levels of socioeconomic status in white girls, whereas no clear relationship was detected in black girls. These findings raise new questions regarding the correlates of obesity in black girls.