Trends In Prevalence Of Overweight Research Articles

Trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity, self-perceived overweight or obesity, and weight loss efforts among older adults in South Korea, 2005–2021

ObjectiveWe assessed trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity, self-perceived overweight or obesity, and efforts to lose weight among Korean older adults from 2005 to 2021. MethodsUsing Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2005 to 2021, we assessed prevalence of overweight and obesity (body mass index≥25 kg/m2), self-perceived overweight or obesity, and self-reported weight loss efforts among Korean adults aged ≥60 years (11,936 men, 15,966 women). Complex sample frequency and linear by linear association analyses were conducted. ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity tended to increase only in men, from 28.9% to 37.2% (P for trend<0.001). The prevalence of self-perceived overweight or obesity increased from 18.9% to 35.3% in men and 32.5% to 48.6% in women (P for trend<0.001) and tended to increase regardless of their actual weight (P for trend<0.001). The prevalence of weight loss efforts increased from 17.9% to 28.8% in men and 19.2% to 38.2% in women (P for trend<0.001) and increased in men and women who were not overweight or obese and in women who were overweight or obese (P for trend<0.001). The prevalence of weight loss efforts increased in women who self-perceived themselves as overweight or obese regardless of their actual weight, and in men who self-perceived themselves as overweight or obese even though they were not (P for trend<0.05). ConclusionsThere were increasing trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in older Korean men, self-perceived overweight or obesity, and weight loss efforts in older Korean men and women.

Trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity among South African and European adolescents: a comparative outlook

BackgroundSouth Africa has several national surveys with body weight-related data, but they are not conducted regularly. Hence, data on longitudinal trends and the recent prevalence of adolescent obesity are not readily available for both national and international reporting and use. This study collectively analysed nationally representative surveys over nearly 2 decades to investigate trends in prevalence of adolescent obesity in South Africa. Furthermore, it compared these data with similar continental report for 45 countries across Europe and North America including United Kingdom, Norway, Netherland, Sweden, Azerbaijan, etc. to identify at-risk sub-population for overweight and obesity among adolescents. MethodsThe study included primary data of adolescents (15 – 19 years) from South African national surveys (N = 27, 884; girls = 51.42%) conducted between 1998 and 2016. Adolescents’ data extracted include measured weight, height, sex, parent employment status, monthly allowance received, and family socioeconomic-related variables. Data were statistically analysed and visualized using chi-square of trends, Wald statistics, odds ratio and trend plots, and compared to findings from European survey report (N = 71, 942; girls = 51.23%). South African adolescents’ obesity and overweight data were categorized based on World Health Organization (WHO)’s growth chart and compared by sex to European cohort and by family socioeconomic status.ResultsBy 2016, 21.56% of South African adolescents were either obese or overweight, similar to the 21% prevalence reported in 2018 among European adolescents. Girls in South Africa showed higher trends for obesity and overweight compared to boys, different from Europe where, higher trends were reported among boys. South African Adolescents from upper socioeconomic families showed greater trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity than adolescents from medium and lower socioeconomic families. Mothers’ employment status was significantly associated with adolescents' overweight and obesity.ConclusionsOur study shows that by 2016, the prevalence of adolescent obesity was high in South Africa – more than 1 in 5 adolescents – which is nearly similar to that in Europe, yet South African girls may be at a greater odd for overweight and obesity in contrast to Europe, as well as adolescents from high earning families. South African local and contextual factors may be driving higher prevalence in specific sub-population. Our study also shows the need for frequent health-related data collection and tracking of adolescents’ health in South Africa.

Future trends of overweight and obesity in Belgium using Bayesian age-period-cohort models

Abstract Background Considering the current overweight and obesity epidemic and its associated increase in non-communicable diseases and healthcare costs, the current study aimed to project the trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity in Belgium using a Bayesian age-period-cohort (APC) model to support policy planning. Methods Height and weight of 58,369 adults aged 18+ years, collected in six consecutive cross-sectional health interview surveys between 1997 and 2018, were evaluated. Criteria used for overweight and obesity were defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25, and BMI ≥ 30. A Bayesian APC model was applied to evaluate past trends and associated socio-demographic risk factors, and to forecast trends to 2019-2029. All analyses were performed based on integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) and took the complex survey design into account. Results The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased between 1997 and 2018. If current trends continue, it is likely to that a further increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the population will be seen by 2029 with a probability of growth of 51.2% and 73.3%, respectively. Forecasts indicated a potential prevalence of 50.1% [16.2%; 84.4%] in 2029 for overweight, and 21.4% [9.0%; 43.4%] for obesity. Among survey participants, middle-aged men with no higher education and a middle income showed the highest risk of overweight and obesity. Conclusions We projected an alarming increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. A decrease in cases seems very unlikely. There is an urgent need to target younger age groups for prevention and implementation of public educational programs to limit the increasing trend in overweight and obesity. Key messages • The occurence of obesity is likely to increase in the following 10 years. • Projection of trends can serve as a useful tool for policy planning on the mid- and longer term.

Secular trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity over a decade in urban and rural South Indian children integrated with geographic information system.

The globalization in the process most of the rural sectors are also upgrading technically with digitalization with more availability of smart phones and gaming along with the refined food influences on the present-day children is causing a trend of overweight among the children. To arrive at the prevalence of overweight and obesity considering the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) cut-offs for growth standards among children aged 12 years from the rural and urban areas of Mysuru District. The present program was the third large scale community intervention project carried out including the 7 talukas of Mysuru District which focused on the measurement of the Body mass index (BMI). In this phase between the year 2019 and 2020 anthropometric measurements were undertaken in 1602 urban and rural children aged 12 years from government-funded and privately-funded schools of Mysuru District. The results were analysed statistically using SPSS for Windows (version 23.0) and the t-test, Chi-square test and proportion tests, P value were reported. Results: As per the IAP reference ranges the prevalence of obesity was 5.5% and overweight was 7.1% among children of Mysuru District. We report that this increase was significantly higher in girls than boys. There was an increasing trend in rural sectors; however, the obese children were more predominantly distributed among the urban sectors. This calls for a precise preventive measure to fulfil the goal of the World Health Organization (WHO) to control prevalence of childhood obesity by the year 2022.

Gender-specific temporal trends in overweight prevalence among Chinese adults: a hierarchical age-period-cohort analysis from 2008 to 2015

BackgroundAs a key health risk, the prevalence of overweight has been strikingly increasing worldwide. This study aimed to disentangle the net age, period, and cohort effects on overweight among Chinese adults by gender.MethodsData came from the Chinese General Social Survey from 2008 to 2015, which was a repeated cross-sectional survey (n = 55,726, aged 18 and older). χ2 or t tests were used to estimate the gender disparities in overweight and socioeconomic status (SES). A series of hierarchical age-period-cohort cross-classified random-effects models were performed using SAS version 9.4 to estimate the overall and gender-specific temporal trends of overweight, as well as the association between SES and overweight. Further, a series of line charts were used to present the age and cohort variations in overweight.ResultsAfter controlling for covariates, significant age and cohort effects were observed among adults in China (b = 0.0205, p < 0.001; b = 0.0122, p < 0.05; respectively). Specifically, inverted U-shaped age effects were identified for both genders, with a high probability of overweight occurring in middle age (b = –0.0012, p < 0.001). Overweight was more prevalent among men than women before 60 years old, and this trend reversed thereafter (b = –0.0253, p < 0.001). Moreover, men born during the war (before 1950) and reform cohorts (after the 1975s) demonstrated a substantial decline in overweight, while men born in 1950–1975 showed an increasing trend in overweight prevalence (b = 0.0378, p < 0.05). However, the cohort effect on women was not statistically significant. Additionally, a higher SES was related to an elevated probability of overweight.ConclusionGender-specific age and cohort effects on the prevalence of overweight were observed among Chinese adults. Both China and other developing countries need to pay attention to the coming obesity challenge and related health inequality. Full life-cycle overweight prevention interventions should focus on middle-aged adults, men born in the war and reform eras, and adults with a higher SES.

Trends in the prevalence of overweight among Bangladeshi children aged 24-59 months (2004-2014) by sex and socioeconomic status.

While recent evidence suggests that the overall prevalence of overweight in young children in Bangladesh is low, little is known about variation in trends by sex, socioeconomic status, urbanicity, and region. We investigated the trends in overweight among children aged 24-59 months by these factors, using nationally representative samples from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS) between 2004 and 2014. Data from four BDHS surveys conducted between 2004 and 2014, with valid height and weight measurements of children, were included in this study (n = 15,648). BMI was calculated and the prevalence of overweight (including obesity) was reported using the International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF) classification system. To explore the association between socioeconomic status and childhood overweight, we used multivariable logistic regression. The overall prevalence of overweight among children aged 24-59 months increased from 1.60% (95% CI: 1.20-2.05%) in 2004 to 2.33% (95% CI: 1.82-2.76%) in 2014. Among girls, the overweight trend increased significantly (adjusted odds ratio (OR) comparing 2014 vs. 2004: 2.02 95% CI: 1.52-2.68), whereas among boys the trend remained steady. When compared with households with the poorest wealth index, households with richest wealth index had higher odds of childhood overweight among both boys (OR 2.39, 95% CI: 1.76-3.25) and girls (OR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.35-2.55). Higher household education level was also associated with childhood overweight. Subgroup analyses showed that relative inequalities by these factors increased between 2004 and 2014 when adjusted for potential confounders. There is a rising trend in overweight prevalence exclusively among girls aged 24-59 months in Bangladesh. Childhood overweight is associated with higher household education and wealth index, and the relative disparity by these factors appears to be increasing over time. These unmet inequalities should be considered while developing national public health programs and strategies.

Trends in overweight and obesity by socioeconomic status in Year 6 school children, Australian Capital Territory, 2006\u20132018

BackgroundDue to the high prevalence and adverse consequences, overweight and obesity in children continues to be a major public health concern worldwide. Socioeconomic background and health-related behaviours (such as diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviors) are important factors associated with weight status in children. Using a series of height and weight assessments from the Australian Capital Territory Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (ACTPANS), trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity by socioeconomic status were examined in ACT Year 6 school children between 2006 and 2018.MethodsThe ACTPANS has been conducted every 3 years since 2006. A total of 6729 children were surveyed. Complete data on height and weight were available for 6384 (94.9%) participants. Trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity and associations between weight status and risk factors (such as socioeconomic status, physical activity, screen time and consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks (SSD)) were examined using logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity remained stable in girls (from 22.5% in 2006 to 21.6% in 2018) but declined in boys (from 27.8 to 17.9%). During the same period, levels of physical activity increased slightly, while screen time and the consumption of fast food and SSD decreased. Socioeconomic gradient, based on the school-level Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA), was highly associated with prevalence of overweight and obesity. Since 2006, the estimated prevalence of overweight and obesity has remained high in the lowest SES groups, but a concurrent downward trend was observed in the highest SES group, leading to increasing disparity between SES groups. Children in the lowest ICSEA quintile were more likely to be overweight or obese compared to those in the moderate and highest ICSEA quintiles. Children in lower ICSEA quintiles also reported lower levels of physical activity, higher levels of screen time, and higher levels of fast food and SSD consumption compared to those in higher ICSEA quintiles.ConclusionsWhile recent trends in overweight and obesity in ACT children are encouraging, the prevalence remains unacceptably high, especially in those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Additional prevention efforts are required to address the socioeconomic disparity.

Prevalence trends of overweight, obesity, diabetes and hypertension among Brazilian women of reproductive age based on sociodemographic characteristics

The authors estimated the prevalence and trends of overweight, obesity, diabetes and hypertension among Brazilian women of reproductive age. A time series was constructed with Vigitel data from 2008 to 2015 and we analyzed trends of the prevalence of these conditions, considering sociodemographic characteristics. We observed an increasing trend in prevalence of overweight, obesity, and diabetes (for some sociodemographic characteristics), and stationary trends for hypertension. Our results highlight the need for early interventions in lifestyle of this population to reduce the NCDs risk factors burden and potentially contribute to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes and reduce the NCDs load.

20-year trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity among children aged 0-6 in Harbin, China: A multiple cross-sectional study.

To examine the 20-year trends in the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity among children aged 0–6 years between 1995 and 2015 in Harbin, China, we selected altogether 49,553 children aged 0–6 years old by using a multistage stratified cluster sampling methods in Harbin, one provincial capital city in northeast China in 1995, 2005 and 2015. Height and weight information of the children were collected. We used the child growth standards of World Health Organization to calculate the Z-scores for body mass index (BMI). Cut-offs recommended by World Health Organization and International Obesity Task Force were used to define overweight and obesity for each children. We found there is no difference between boys’ BMI and girls’ among newborns in each survey point (p>0.05), but in older age groups, the BMI of boys was higher than that of girls (p<0.05). From 1995 to 2015, the average BMI was increasing continuously among boys older than 42 months and girls older than 48 months (p<0.01 for linear trend across year) in Harbin. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 2.6% in 1995 to 7.6% in 2015. For every 10-year the risk of combined overweight and obesity in children aged 0–6 years increased by 167% (95%CI: 146%, 188%, p<0.01). The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity in most age subgroups showed an increasing trend over time (p<0.01 for trend test across survey year). The age when the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity dramatically increased was earlier in 2015 than that in 2005 and 1995. In conclusion, there was an increasing trend of the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity during the past 20 years in Harbin and the age when the prevalence dramatically increased became earlier. Comprehensive intervention should be undertaken among younger children to prevent and control children’s overweight and obesity.

Stabilisation of the trend in prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in Spain: 2001-11.

To ascertain whether the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity had stabilised in Spain, in the same way as in other developed countries. Data were drawn from the 2001, 2006 and 2011 Spanish National Health Surveys. We estimated overweight and obesity on the basis of body mass index, and then calculated the prevalence of overweight and obesity for each year studied among boys and girls, respectively, in two different age groups; 5 -9 and 10 -15 years. The statistical significance of the trend in prevalence was evaluated using the chi-squared test. The trend in the prevalence of overweight was not significant, with the magnitude generally proving similar in 2006 and 2011, e.g. prevalence among girls was 37.2% in 2006 and 37.5% in 2011 in the 5-9 age group, and 17.7% in 2006 and 17.5% in 2011 in the 10-15 age group. The magnitude of the prevalence of obesity in each sex and age group was similar across the 3 years of study, except in the case of boys aged 5-9 years, among whom a significant downward trend was observed, with prevalence declining from 16.8% in 2001 to 14.4% in 2006 and 12.6% in 2011. In Spain, the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity stabilised during the first decade of the present century.

Trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity: are Portuguese adolescents still increasing weight?

To report the prevalence and trends of the BMI of Portuguese adolescents in 2002, 2006 and 2010. 4138 boys and 4472 girls self-reported weight, height, physical activity, perception of health and life satisfaction. For adolescents aged 11-13years, the prevalence of overweight/obesity decreased from 23.5% in 2002 to 20.7% in 2010, using IOTF cutoff points, and decreased from 32.4 to 28.4% between 2002 and 2010 using WHO cutoff points. For adolescents aged 15-17years, the prevalence increased from 13.9 to 16.8% between 2002 and 2010 using IOTF cutoff, and increased from 14.8% in 2002 to 18.2% in 2010 when using WHO cutoff points. Although the prevalence decreased among younger adolescents and increased among older ones, the differences were not significant. Physical activity in the last 7days (p<0.05), better life satisfaction (p<0.05) and perception of health (p<0.001) predicted lower body mass index z score. Overall, there have been no significant changes in overweight and obesity prevalence in Portuguese adolescents from 2002 to 2010. However, the prevalence remains high and therefore it is important to continue surveillance.

Declining Trends and Widening Disparities in Overweight and Obesity Prevalence Among Massachusetts Public School Districts, 2009-2014.

We evaluated the overall and sociodemographic disparities in trends in prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in Massachusetts public school districts between 2009 and 2014. In 2009, Massachusetts mandated annual screening of body mass index for students in grades 1, 4, 7, and 10. This was part of the statewide Mass in Motion prevention programs. We assessed trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity between 2009 and 2014 by district, gender, grade, and district income. From 2009 to 2014, prevalence decreased 3.0 percentage points (from 34.3% to 31.3%) statewide. The 2014 district-level rates ranged from 13.9% to 54.5% (median = 31.2%). When stratified by grade, the decreasing trends were significant only for grades 1 and 4. Although rates of districts with a median household income greater than $37, 000 improved notably, rates of the poorest remain unchanged and were approximately 40%. Although overall prevalence began to decrease, the geographic and socioeconomic disparities in childhood obesity are widening and remain a public health challenge in Massachusetts. Special efforts should be made to address the needs of socioeconomically disadvantaged districts and to narrow the disparities in childhood obesity.

Is waist circumference per body mass index rising differentially across the United States, England, China and Mexico?

Little is known about whether waist circumference (WC) has increased disproportionately relative to body mass index (BMI) around the world. Data came from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994 and 2007-2010), Health Survey for England (1992-1993 and 2008-2009); the Mexican Nutrition Survey (1999) and the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS 2012); and the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1993 and 2011). Country- and sex-stratified (for the United States, also race-/ethnicity-stratified) multivariable linear regressions were used to estimate mean difference in WC over time relative to BMI at specified overweight and obesity cutoff points, adjusting for age and survey year. Although mean WC and BMI shifted upward over time in all age-sex subpopulations in all four countries, trends in overweight prevalence were less consistent. However, WC relative to BMI increased at varying magnitudes across all countries and subpopulations, except US Black men. The magnitude of increase was largest for women in the youngest age group (20-29 years), particularly for women in Mexico (+6.6 cm, P<0.0001) and China (+4.6 cm, P<0.0001) (holding BMI constant at 25 kg/m(2)). For men, the increase was primarily evident among Chinese men (+4.8 cm, P<0.0001). WC has increased disproportionately over time relative to overall body mass across the United States, England, Mexico and China, particularly among young women, with the largest increases occurring in the middle-income countries of Mexico and China. These patterns are potentially a cause for concern especially for countries undergoing rapid economic and nutritional transitions.

Trends in overweight prevalence among 11-, 13- and 15-year-olds in 25 countries in Europe, Canada and USA from 2002 to 2010.

The purpose of this study was to assess recent changes in the prevalence of overweight (including obesity) among 11-, 13- and 15-year-olds in 33 countries from 2002 to 2010. Data from 25 countries from three consecutive survey cycles (2002, 2006 and 2010) that had at least 80% response rate for self-reported height, weight and age were analysed using logistic regression analysis. Overweight prevalence increased among boys in 13 countries and among girls in 12 countries; in 10 countries, predominantly in Eastern Europe, an increase was observed for both boys and girls. Stabilization in overweight rates was noted in the remaining countries; none of the countries exhibited a decrease over the 8-year period examined. In the majority of countries (20/25) there were no age differences in trends in overweight prevalence. In over half of the countries examined overweight prevalence did not change during 2002-2010. However, increasing overweight prevalence was noted in many Eastern European countries over this time period. Overweight prevalence remained high in several countries in Europe and North America. These patterns call for continued research in youth overweight and highlight the need to understand cross-national differences by examining macro-level indicators. Such research should feed into developing sound translations and practices to prevent and reduce overweight in youth.

Secular trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in rural Tianjin, China from 1991 to 2011: a population-based study.

ObjectivesObesity is associated with cardiovascular diseases and has become the main public health issue in western countries and urban China. However, the prevalence and secular trends of obesity in rural China are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate secular trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among rural adults in northern China between 1991 and 2011.MethodThe prevalence of overweight and obesity was assessed in adults aged 35–74 years living in a rural area in northern China by comparing two surveys that were conducted in 1991 and 2011, respectively.ResultThe age-adjusted prevalence of overweight increased from 24.5% in 1991 to 42.0% in 2011, and the prevalence of obesity increased from 5.7% in 1991 to 19.6% in 2011. Over the 21-year period, there were significant increases in the prevalence of overweight and obesity for both men and women in all age groups; however, the greatest increase was observed in men aged 35–44 years, with an 10.3-fold increase in obesity prevalence. The prevalence of obesity increased significantly in all risk factors categories, including education levels, blood pressure categories, diabetes previous history, current smoking situation and alcohol drinking situation over the past 21 years overall (p<0.05). The greatest increase in obesity prevalence appeared among those who consumed alcohol (increased by 8.0-fold). Next, there was a 5.3-fold increase in the prevalence of obesity in illiterate residents.ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased rapidly among rural adults in Tianjin over the past 21 years, with the most dramatic increase observed in young men. Therefore, the burden of obesity should serve as a call for action.

Factors contributing to the success of self-directed weight loss

prevalence of under-nutrition (stunting, thinness) and over-nutrition (overweight, obesity) in Indonesian children. Methods: We analysed a merged dataset of children +2SD, >+3SD in WHO 2006 and +1SD, >+2SD in WHO 2007 were categorised as thin, overweight or obese, respectively. Results: 1742 children had complete anthropometry in all four waves. The mean (95% CI) age at each wave was 2.1 (2.0—2.2), 6.1 (6.0—6.2), 8.9 (8.8—8.9) and 16.3 (16.2—16.3) years. The prevalence of stunting in each wave was 22.5% (CI: 20.8—24.3%), 28.9% (CI: 25.6—31.1%), 28.7% (CI: 26.9—30.7%), and 27.1% (CI: 25.1—29.2%), respectively. The prevalence of thinness increased from 1993 to 2000 (8.3%, 9.4%, and 11.1%), but decreased in 2007 (8.0%). The trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity showed the opposite pattern, decreasing from 1993 (6.7% and 5.3%) to 1997 (2.2% and 1.5%) then increasing in the two recent waves (4.1% and 1.9%) in 2000 and (6.4% and 2.3%) in 2007. Conclusion: There is strong evidence that the Double Burden of Malnutrition occurs in Indonesian children. A coordinated approach to overcome chronic malnutrition and over-nutrition is required.

Trends and prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school aged children in the Republic of Ireland from 2002-2012: a systematic review.

BackgroundThe prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in developed countries appears to be levelling off. As trends in childhood obesity prevalence have not been examined over the past decade in the Republic of Ireland, this systematic review aims to compile and synthesise all available information on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school aged children between 2002 and 2012.MethodsSystematic review of published and grey literature containing data on objectively measured height and weight. Inclusion criteria included studies where data was collected between 2002 and 2012 from at least 200 primary school aged children in the Republic of Ireland. Database searching, Google searching, reference searching and contact with obesity experts was undertaken. Overweight, obesity and morbid obesity were defined using standard International Obesity Taskforce definitions. Study quality was assessed.ResultsFourteen studies (16 prevalence estimates) met the inclusion criteria. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity within the studies ranged from 20-34%. No significant trend in overweight prevalence over time was observed (p=0.6). However, there was evidence of a slight decrease in obesity prevalence over the period (p=0.01), with a similar though non-significant decline in the prevalence of morbid obesity (p=0.2).ConclusionThe findings of this systematic review require cautious interpretation though the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in the Republic of Ireland has reached a plateau and may be falling. These findings provide some ground for optimism though the current plateau is at an unacceptably high level. Thus current population based preventive strategies need to be sustained and intensified.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-974) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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.

Trends in Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Korean Adults, 1998^|^ndash;2009: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BackgroundAlthough obesity is increasing worldwide and becoming a major public health problem, some countries report a trend toward stabilization. We investigated prevalence trends in overweight/obesity and obesity among Korean adults during a 12-year period.MethodsThis study was based on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) I (1998), II (2001), III (2005), and IV (2007–2009). The χ2 and ANOVA tests were used to compare the prevalence and mean values for age and BMI, respectively. P-values for trends were determined by linear and logistic regression analyses, with KNHANES phase as the continuous variable.ResultsThe prevalences of overweight/obesity in KNHANES I through IV were 50.8%, 57.4%, 62.5%, and 62.6%, respectively, among men (P for trend = 0.002, β = 0.021) and 47.3%, 51.9%, 50.0%, and 48.9% among women (P for trend = 0.017, β = −0.015). The respective prevalences of obesity were 26.0%, 32.4%, 35.1%, and 36.3% among men (P for trend = 0.006, β = 0.018) and 26.5%, 29.3%, 28.0%, and 27.6% among women (P for trend = 0.143, β = −0.008). During the same period, the respective prevalences of grade 2 obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were 1.7%, 2.8%, 3.6%, and 3.8% among men (P for trend = 0.075, β = 0.005) and 3.0%, 3.5%, 3.4%, and 4.0% among women (P for trend = 0.398, β = 0.003).ConclusionsThe prevalences of overweight/obesity and obesity showed an upward trend among men during the 12-year period, whereas the prevalence of overweight/obesity slightly decreased among women from 2001.

Trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults in 26 Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District from 2006 to 2012.

To describe the annual evolution of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adult population of the 26 Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District from 2006 to 2012. Annual interviews (around 54,000 per year) from VIGITEL (Surveillance System of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases through Telephone Interviews) were used. Self-reported weight and height were used to estimate body mass index and nutritional status. Prevalence estimates of overweight and obesity are presented according to gender, age and schooling and to each city. Linear regression model was used to evaluate the time trend of prevalence. Prevalence of overweight in adults in the 27 cities monitored by VIGITEL increased from 43.2% (2006) to 51.0% (2012), with an annual increase rate of 1.37%. Prevalence of obesity increased from 11.6% to 17.4%, with an annual increase rate of 0.89%. The study showed a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of overweight in all cities, and for both genders, all age groups and all levels of schooling. Similar trends were also verified for obesity. If the trends verified from 2006 to 2012 are maintained, in ten years, around two-thirds of the adults in Brazilian state capitals will be overweight, and a quarter will be obese. This perspective requests urgent response from government and intersectoral actions to combat the obesogenic environment.