Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children may have reached a plateau in some developed countries, including Ireland. The aim of this study was to examine 12-year trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary-school-aged children in the Republic of Ireland between 2002 and 2014. Methods: Two large-scale oral health cross-sectional surveys of primary-school-aged children aged 4–13 years were conducted 12 years apart in 2002 (n=14,055; response rate=68%) and 2014 (n=5,223; response rate=67%). Both surveys included standardised and calibrated height and weight measures. Ownership of a means-tested medical card determined economic status. Standard International Obesity Task Force criteria were applied to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity among 4–13-year-olds significantly decreased from 26% (95% CI: 25.1%–26.5%) in 2002 to 24% (95% CI: 22.4%–24.7%) in 2014. Among boys and girls aged 4–13 years, the significant decrease was from 23% (95% CI: 22.1%–24.1%) to 20% (95% CI: 18.9%–22.0 and 28% (95% CI: 27.4%–29.5%) to 27% (95% CI: 25.0%–28.4%), respectively. Among 5-year-old children, the overall prevalence of overweight and obesity significantly decreased from 25% (95% CI: 23.7%–26.2%) to 22% (95% CI: 19.9%–23.4%). In 2002, the estimated prevalence of overweight/obesity was similar in children with and without medical cards, whereas in 2014, overall prevalence was higher in those with medical cards. Conclusions: Results suggest a fall in the prevalence of overweight/obesity between 2002 and 2014, and may suggest a favourable cohort effect. Despite this fall, the overall prevalence remains high and socioeconomic disparities have increased.
Trends and prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school aged children in the Republic of Ireland from 2002-2012: a systematic review