scholarly journals Prevalence of thinness, overweight, obesity and central obesity in Finnish school-aged children: a comparison of national and international reference values

Obesity Facts ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catharina Sarkkola ◽  
Jannina Viljakainen ◽  
Rejane Augusta de Oliveira Figueiredo ◽  
Antti Saari ◽  
Sohvi Lommi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reference Values ◽  
Central Obesity ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Reference ◽  
Global Epidemic ◽  
School Aged Children

Introduction: The global epidemic of obesity concerns children, and monitoring the prevalence is of highest priority. Body mass index (BMI) with age- and sex-specific cut-off values determine weight status in children, although multiple reference systems exist. Our aim was to compare the prevalence for thinness, normal weight, overweight and obesity in Finnish school-aged children according to national and international reference values, as well as to determine which cut-off values for overweight agree with the criteria for central obesity. Methods: This study includes 10 646 children aged 9─12 years from the Finnish Health in Teens (Fin-HIT) cohort. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured in 2011─2014. BMI (weight [kg]/height [m]2) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR; waist [cm]/height [cm]) were calculated. The WHtR cut-off of > 0.5 indicated central obesity. We compared the sex-specific prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity using the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), World Health Organization (WHO) and Finnish (FIN) BMI-for-age reference values, as well as these three against central obesity based on WHtR. Results: The prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity were 11.0%, 12.7% and 2.6%, respectively, using IOTF; 2.6%, 15.9% and 5.2% using WHO; and 5.1%, 11.4% and 2.2% using FIN. Overweight and obesity were more common in boys than girls using WHO and FIN, while thinness more common in girls using IOTF and FIN. IOTF versus WHO exhibited moderate agreement (κ = 0.59), which improved for IOTF versus FIN (κ = 0.74). Of those classified as overweight by WHO, 37% and 47% were regarded as normal weight according to IOTF and FIN, respectively. The prevalence of central obesity was 8.7%, and it was more common in boys than girls. WHO provided the highest sensitivity: 95% of individuals with central obesity were classified with overweight or obesity. Using FIN provided the highest specificity (93%). Conclusion: Our findings show that WHO overestimates the prevalence of overweight and obesity, while IOTF overrates thinness. Thus, comparing prevalence rates between studies requires caution. The novelty of this study is the comparison of the cut-off values for overweight with central obesity. The choice of reference system affects the generalizability of the research results.

scholarly journals BMI status relative to international and national growth references among Pakistani school-age girls

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asima Karim ◽  
Rizwan Qaisar
Keyword(s):  
Reference Values ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
School Age ◽  
Local Data

Abstract Background A sizable proportion of school going children from developing countries has abnormal growth parameters, which are often not standardized with international reference values. We intended to evaluate the prevalence of BMI status in schoolgirls of the Punjab by using international and national references. Methods In this population based cross-sectional study, 10,050 school-going girls aged 8–16 years from 12 districts of northern, central and southern Punjab were recruited. Estimates of normal weight, underweight, overweight and obesity were calculated in the girls according to three international BMI references including centres for disease control (CDC) 2000, international obesity task force (IOTF) 2012 and world health organisation (WHO) 2007 in addition to national reference for population under study. We used Cohen’s kappa statistics to analyse agreement of our data with reference values. Results There was marked overestimation of underweight (23.9%, 14.5%, 15.2% and 4.37%), slight underestimation of overweight (5.3%, 7.3%, 7.9% and 8.97%) and moderate underestimation of obesity (1.9%, 1.5%, 2.2% and 5.67%) according to CDC, IOTF, WHO and local reference, respectively. When the weight status of the study cohort was compared with the local data, we found comparable results in all the four weight categories. Conclusion We recommend selection of appropriate reference to estimate prevalence of weight status in school-age girls for devising strategies for public health policy and management.

scholarly journals BMI status relative to international and national growth references among Pakistani school-age girls

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rizwan Qaisar ◽  
Asima Karim
Keyword(s):  
Reference Values ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
School Age ◽  
Local Reference

Abstract Background A sizable proportion of school-going children from developing countries has abnormal growth parameters, often not standardized with international reference values. We aimed to assess the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity in the schoolgirls of Punjab according to international and local references. Methods In this population-based cross-sectional study, 10,050 school-going girls aged 8–16 years from 12 districts of northern, central, and southern Punjab were recruited. Estimates of normal weight, underweight, overweight and obesity were calculated in the girls according to three international BMI references including centers for disease control (CDC) 2000, the international obesity task force (IOTF) 2012 and world health organisation (WHO) 2007 in addition to a local reference for the population under study. We used Cohen’s kappa statistics to analyse the agreement of our data with reference values. Results There was marked overestimation of underweight (23.9%, 14.5%, 15.2% and 4.37%), slight underestimation of overweight (5.3%, 7.3%, 7.9% and 8.97%) and moderate underestimation of obesity (1.9%, 1.5%, 2.2% and 5.67%) according to CDC, IOTF, WHO and local reference, respectively. When the weight status of the study cohort was compared with the local data, we found comparable results in all four weight categories. Conclusion We recommend population-wide further studies to estimate the prevalence of weight status in school-age girls for devising appropriate references and for planning strategies for public health policy and management.

scholarly journals BMI status relative to international and national growth references among Pakistani school-age girls

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asima Karim ◽  
Rizwan Qaisar
Keyword(s):  
Reference Values ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
School Age ◽  
Local Reference

Abstract Background A sizable proportion of school-going children from developing countries has abnormal growth parameters, which are often not standardized with international reference values. We aimed to assess the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity in the schoolgirls of Punjab according to international and local references. Methods In this population-based cross-sectional study, 10,050 school-going girls aged 8-16 years from 12 districts of northern, central, and southern Punjab were recruited. Estimates of normal weight, underweight, overweight and obesity were calculated in the girls according to three international BMI references including centers for disease control (CDC) 2000, the international obesity task force (IOTF) 2012 and world health organisation (WHO) 2007 in addition to a local reference for the population under study. We used Cohen's kappa statistics to analyse the agreement of our data with reference values. Results There was marked overestimation of underweight (23.9%, 14.5%, 15.2% and 4.37%), slight underestimation of overweight (5.3%, 7.3%, 7.9% and 8.97%) and moderate underestimation of obesity (1.9%, 1.5%, 2.2% and 5.67%) according to CDC, IOTF, WHO and local reference, respectively. When the weight status of the study cohort was compared with the local data, we found comparable results in all the four weight categories. Conclusion We recommend population-wide further studies to estimate the prevalence of weight status in school-age girls for devising appropriate references and for planning strategies for public health policy and management.

scholarly journals Dietary Patterns and Weight Status of Primary School Children in Serbia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Predrag Bozic ◽  
Visnja Djordjic ◽  
Lidija Markovic ◽  
Dragan Cvejic ◽  
Nebojsa Trajkovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Organization

The purpose of the present cross-sectional study was to examine dietary patterns and the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity among Serbian children. Furthermore, the study analyzed the association between dietary patterns and weight status. A nationally representative sample of 6–9-year-old children (n = 3,067) was evaluated as part of the Fifth Round World Health Organization European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative. The children's height and weight were measured by trained field examiners, while their parents or guardians filled paper versions of the food frequency questionnaire to collect information related to the child's breakfast habits and food and beverage intake. According to the International Obesity Task Force cut-off points, the overall prevalence of overweight (including obesity) and underweight were 28.9 and 8.1%, respectively. The majority of parents reported that their children (84.5%) had breakfast every day, while only 39.5 and 37% of children had daily fruit and vegetable consumption, respectively. The children who do not eat breakfast every day are more likely to be obese (OR = 1.50), while a higher intake frequency of nutrient-poor beverages such as soft drinks increases the risk of being not only overweight (OR = 1.32) but also underweight (OR = 1.39). Regular monitoring and understanding of dietary patterns and weight status is crucial to inform, design, and implement strategies to reduce national and global diet and obesity-related diseases. Urgent actions need to be taken from public policymakers to stop and reverse the increasing trend of overweight (including obesity) among Serbian children.

scholarly journals Weight status, eating and sedentary behaviours in Maltese pre-school children living in a high-risk poverty area

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johann Zarb ◽  
John Xerri de Caro ◽  
Claire Copperstone
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
School Children ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Eating Behaviours ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Sedentary Behaviours

AbstractIntroductionEarly eating behavioural traits could contribute to development of weight problems later in life. Evidence suggests children living in higher-poverty areas are at higher risk of overweight and obesity. The main objective was to investigate possible associations between weight status, eating and sedentary behaviours in pre-school children living in an area of high-poverty risk.Materials and MethodsThe children (3–4 years) and their parents living in a school district which is classified as being at a high risk of poverty were invited to participate for the study. Following consent, they were interviewed by telephone using The Child Eating Behaviours Questionnaire (CEBQ) in 2018. The CEBQ utilises a five-point Likert scale with scores computed for different eating behaviours. Anthropometric measures on the children were carried out in the schools.ResultsResponse rate was 63.3% (n = 71), with 54.8% of parents possessing a secondary school education There was no significant association between parental education level and weight status using World Health Organisation (WHO), International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) criteria (p = 0.227, 0.373, 0,213 respectively). No significant relationship was found between children's weight status and gender (WHO; p = 0.800 & CDC; p = 0.655; IOTF; p = 0.804). 71.8 % of the children exceeded the 1-hour screen time daily recommended guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2015) during weekdays while 47.9% exceeded the recommendations during weekends. Main sedentary behaviours were the use of smartphones/tablets (mean 72 min/day; 64 min/day; weekend, weekdays respectively) with a significant association found across this behaviour and all weight standard criteria (p = 0.013, 0.016 and 0.015 for WHO, CDC and IOTF respectively).Food enjoyment varied significantly according to weight status (WHO: p = 0.001; CDC; 0.010; IOTF: p = 0.028). Lowest food fussiness scores were observed in normal weight children using WHO and CDC weight standard criteria and in the underweight category when using IOTF criteria and was significant across all weight criteria (p = WHO; 0.013/ CDC; 0.047/ IOTF; 0.024). Children with mean high food avoidance scores scored in a higher weight category (WHO: p = 0.003; IOTF: p = 0.013).DiscussionIn this small study, some eating behaviours were found to be linked to weight status suggesting further work required. Public health initiatives to reduce sedentary behaviours should also be targeted at younger age children. Larger studies comparing children in different socio economic regions and targeting the family and obesogenic environment are recommended for targeted early intervention.

scholarly journals Prevention of overweight and obesity in a Norwegian public health care context: a mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Westergren ◽  
L. Fegran ◽  
A. Jørstad Antonsen ◽  
H. Timenes Mikkelsen ◽  
C. B. Hennig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Change In Mean ◽  
Obesity In Children

Abstract Background Greater understanding about the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity in preschool children within public health care is needed. This study assessed the impact of The First Steps module in routine primary health care including mapping of height/weight and diet followed by parental counselling of healthy habits on overweight and obesity in children aged 2 to 7 years. Further, we explored the experiences of public health nurses (PHNs) with the module. Methods Body weight and height obtained in 2014 and 2016 were extracted retrospectively for 676 children from the health records of children at 2, 4, or 6 years of age in five child health centers in Southern Norway. Sex- and age-adjusted body mass index (BMI) z-scores and weight status classifications were calculated according to the International Obesity Task Force reference values. Impact was assessed as change in mean BMI z-scores for children with under-, normal-, and overweight, respectively, and as proportion of children with overweight and obesity. In focus groups, PHNs described their experiences with the practical application of the module. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Results Mean BMI z-scores decreased from 2014 to 2016 in overweight children (− 0.26) and increased in children with under- (0.63) and normal weight (0.06), whereas the proportion of children with overweight and obesity was stable. PHNs believed that the module provides them with new tools that are useful for addressing the intricacies of childhood obesity. They described counseling sessions with families as “moving upstream in a river” and that overweight and obesity may be one of many complex challenges for these families. Conclusions Mean BMI z-score decreased in children with overweight during the 2 years after initiation of The First Steps module. PHNs considered the module as useful for addressing children’s overweight and obesity, which was perceived as one of several complex challenges for most of these families. Specialist and evidence-based support is needed to address overweight and obesity in children in primary care. Further research should focus on integrating the issues relating to overweight and obesity within other family problems.

scholarly journals Misperceptions, inactivity and maternal factors may drive obesity among Barbadian adolescents

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela S Gaskin ◽  
Hedy Broome ◽  
Colin Alert ◽  
Henry Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Maternal Obesity ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Recreational Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Studies

AbstractObjectivesTo describe (1) the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their association with physical activity; (2) the effect of different cut-off points for body mass index (BMI) on weight status categorisation; and (3) associations of weight status with perceptions of body size, health and diet quality.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingSecondary schools in Barbados.SubjectsA cohort of 400 schoolchildren, 11–16 years old, selected to study physical education practices.ResultsPrevalence of overweight (15% boys; 17% girls) and obesity (7% boys; 12% girls) was high. Maternal obesity, as defined by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) BMI cut-off points, predicted weight status such that reporting an obese mother increased the odds of being overweight by 5.25 (95% confidence interval: 2.44, 11.31). Physical activity was inversely associated with weight status; however levels were low. Recreational physical activity was not associated with weight status in either category. Overweight subjects tended to misclassify themselves as normal weight and those who misclassified perceived themselves to be of similar health status to normal-weight subjects. The National Center for Health Statistics and IOTF BMI cut-off points produced different estimates of overweight and obesity.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that inadequate physical activity and ignorance related to food and appropriate body size are promoting high levels of adiposity with a strong contribution from maternal obesity, which may be explained by perinatal and other intergenerational effects acting on both sexes. Prevalence studies and local proxy tools for adiposity assessment are needed.

Breakfast Skipping Is an Independent Predictor of Obesity but not Overweight Among Children in a Southeastern European Population

2016 ◽  
Vol 86 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 242-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genc Burazeri ◽  
Jolanda Hyska ◽  
Iris Mone ◽  
Enver Roshi
Keyword(s):  
Task Force ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
European Population ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Communist Country ◽  
Western Balkans ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breakfast Skipping

Abstract.Aim: To assess the association of breakfast skipping with overweight and obesity among children in Albania, a post-communist country in the Western Balkans, which is undergoing a long and difficult political and socioeconomic transition towards a market-oriented economy. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was carried out in Albania in 2013 including a representative sample of 5810 children aged 7.0 – 9.9 years (49.5% girls aged 8.4 ± 0.6 years and 51.5% boys aged 8.5 ± 0.6 years; overall response rate: 97%). Children were measured for height and weight, and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Cut-off BMI values of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) were used to define overweight and obesity in children. Demographic data were also collected. Results: Upon adjustment for age, sex, and place of residence, breakfast skipping was positively related to obesity (WHO criteria: OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.3–1.9; IOTF criteria: OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.5), but not overweight (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.3 and OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.4, respectively). Furthermore, breakfast skipping was associated with a higher BMI (multivariable-adjusted OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07). Conclusions: Our findings point to a strong and consistent positive relationship between breakfast skipping and obesity, but not overweight, among children in this transitional southeastern European population. Future studies in Albania and other transitional settings should prospectively examine the causal role of breakfast skipping in the development of overweight and obesity.

Is overweight/obesity a risk factor for atopic allergic disease in prepubertal children? A case–control study

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aysel Vehapoglu ◽  
Zeynep Ebru Cakın ◽  
Feyza Ustabas Kahraman ◽  
Mustafa Atilla Nursoy ◽  
Ali Toprak
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Allergic Disease ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Prepubertal Children ◽  
Body Weight Status ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Objectives It is unclear whether body weight status (underweight/normal weight/overweight/obese) is associated with allergic disease. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between body weight status (body mass index; BMI) and atopic allergic disease in prepubertal children, and to compare children with atopic allergic diseases with non atopic healthy children. Methods A prospective cross sectional study of 707 prepubertal children aged 3–10 years was performed; the participants were 278 atopic children with physician-diagnosed allergic disease (allergic rhinitis and asthma) (serum total IgE level >100 kU/l and eosinophilia >4%, or positivity to at least one allergen in skin test) and 429 non atopic healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Data were collected between December 2019 and November 2020 at the Pediatric General and Pediatric Allergy Outpatient Clinics of Bezmialem Vakıf University Hospital. Results Underweight was observed in 11.6% of all participants (10.8% of atopic children, 12.2% of healthy controls), and obesity in 14.9% of all participants (18.0% of atopic children, 12.8% of controls). Obese (OR 1.71; 95% CI: 1.08–2.71, p=0.021), and overweight status (OR 1.62; 95% CI: 1.06–2.50, p=0.026) were associated with an increased risk of atopic allergic disease compared to normal weight in pre-pubertal children. This association did not differ by gender. There was no relationship between underweight status and atopic allergic disease (OR 1.03; 95% CI: 0.63–1.68, p=0.894). Conclusions Overweight and obesity were associated with an increased risk of atopic allergic disease compared to normal weight among middle-income and high-income pre pubertal children living in Istanbul.

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