Global Trends in Child Obesity: Are Figures Converging?

Infant obesity has become one of the most serious global health challenges of our time. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity has rapidly increased worldwide during the last two decades, especially in some developing countries where obesity is reaching levels on a par with some industrialized countries, or even higher. This fast growth has occurred especially in countries in the midst of rapid social-economic transitions. Most international comparisons focus on the adult population while analyses focusing on the child population are more limited. Using the methodology developed by Phillips and Sul [1], this paper studies the worldwide evolution of infant body mass index (BMI), overweight and obesity prevalence for a large sample of countries during the period 1975-2016. Our results indicate that the figures for BMI or the prevalence of obesity in different countries do not converge, while the opposite is the case for overweight prevalence in children. Furthermore, there is a non-linear relationship between obesity and income or human capital, indicating that low and middle-income countries require a strong initiative for health policies targeting obesity prevention.

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Global Trends in Child Obesity: Are Figures Converging?

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17249252 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (24) ◽

pp. 9252

Author(s):

María A. González-Álvarez ◽

Angelina Lázaro-Alquézar ◽

María Blanca Simón-Fernández

Keyword(s):

Adult Population ◽

International Comparisons ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Industrialized Countries ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Middle Income ◽

Global Trends ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

Economic Transitions

Childhood obesity has become one of the most serious global health challenges of our time. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity has rapidly increased worldwide during the last two decades, especially in some developing countries where obesity is reaching levels on a par with some industrialized countries, or even higher. This fast growth has occurred especially in countries in the midst of rapid social-economic transitions. Most international comparisons focus on the adult population while analyses focusing on the child population are more limited. Using the methodology developed by Phillips and Sul, this paper studies the worldwide evolution of children’s body mass index (BMI), overweight and obesity prevalence for a large sample of countries during the period 1975–2016. Our results indicate that the figures for BMI or the prevalence of obesity in different countries do not converge, while the opposite is the case for overweight prevalence in children. Furthermore, there is a non-linear relationship between obesity and income or human capital, indicating that low and middle-income countries require a strong initiative for health policies targeting obesity prevention.

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Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages as a policy to reduce overweight and obesity in countries of different income classifications: a systematic review

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021002901 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-27

Author(s):

Alexander Itria ◽

Stéfani S. Borges ◽

Ana Elisa M. Rinaldi ◽

Luciana Bertoldi Nucci ◽

Carla Cristina Enes

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Price Change ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Middle Income ◽

Sugar Sweetened Beverage ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Sweetened Beverages ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the potential impact of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes on overweight and obesity prevalence in countries of different income classifications. Design: Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO number CRD42020161612). Five databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS (via Virtual Health Library) and MEDLINE (via PubMed), and Web of Science were searched, from January 2009 up to December 2019. Articles that reported changes in purchases, sales, intake, body weight, BMI, overweight and/or obesity prevalence due to a tax on, or price change in SSBs were included. Setting: Studies conducted in countries of different income classifications. Participants: The search yielded 8,349 articles of which twenty-one met inclusion criteria. Results: Among the 16 studies selected, only 2 did not show that consumption, sales and purchase decreased as the price of SSBs increased. In 8 of the 13 studies selected, a positive effect of an SSB tax on decreasing overweight and obesity prevalence was expected. It is estimated that a 20% taxation on SSBs would result in a greater decrease in the prevalence of overweight and obesity compared to a 10% rate. Studies with no significant effect of taxing on sales, purchases, consumption and prevalence of obesity were from high-income countries, while significant effects of taxing on reducing purchase, consumption and/or obesity prevalence were found in studies from upper-middle and middle-income countries. Conclusion: A high SSB tax might be an effective fiscal policy to decrease purchase and consumption of SSBs and reduce overweight/obesity prevalence, especially if the tax were specific for beverage volume.

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Obesities: A New Peer-Reviewed Open-Access Interdisciplinary Journal Fostering Research on Multifactorial Obesity and Associated Cardiometabolic Disorders

Obesities ◽

10.3390/obesities1010002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 26-28

Author(s):

Bruno Guigas

Keyword(s):

Open Access ◽

Industrialized Countries ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

The Past ◽

Urban Transition ◽

Cardiometabolic Disorders ◽

Interdisciplinary Journal ◽

Low And Middle Income

Obesity prevalence has increased continuously over the past 50 years, a dramatic worldwide expansion not only limited to industrialized countries but also observed in a large number of low- and middle-income countries experiencing rapid rural–urban transition [...]

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Ten-Year Trends (2000-2010) of Overweight and Obesity Prevalence among the Young and Middle-Aged Adult Population of the Balearic Islands, a Mediterranean Region

Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1159/000438729 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

pp. 76-80 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Josep L. Coll ◽

Maria del Mar Bibiloni ◽

Rogelio Salas ◽

Josep A. Tur

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Adult Population ◽

Calculated Data ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Balearic Islands ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

Background and Aims: This article aimed at assessing the 10-year trends (2000-2010) in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Balearic Islands' adult population. Methods: Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) for young (18-35 year-olds) and middle-aged (36-55 year-olds) adults living in the Balearics was calculated. Data represented 1,089 people during 1999-2000 and 1,081 people during 2009-2010. The BMI categories were as follows: normal weight (18.5 < 25), overweight (25.0 < 30) and obese (≥30). Results: Weighted frequency estimates and logistic regression analysis were used to calculate overweight and obesity trends. While the prevalence of overweight and obesity mostly remained stable over the 2000-2010 period, the prevalence of obesity increased from 5.1 to 8.3% in young adults (aged 18-35), a 1.66-fold increase in prevalence (95% CI 1.02-2.70) over the study period. Conclusions: Total overweight and obesity prevalence remained stable in the Balearic adult population; however, a rising prevalence of obesity has been observed in young adults, which suggests a need to develop and change current strategies in order to reverse the current trends in obesity among this age group.

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1417Geographical differentials and trends in obesity burden in Argentina: a socio-demographic approach

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyab168.541 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Laura Rosana Aballay ◽

Julia Wirtz Baker ◽

Eugenia Haluszka ◽

Fabián Leonardo Muñoz ◽

Camila Niclis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adult Population ◽

Income Level ◽

University Education ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Poverty Level ◽

Middle Income ◽

Demographic Groups ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

Mapping Techniques ◽

Socio Demographic Factors

Abstract Background In Argentina, there is evidence suggesting the obesity prevalence follows a social gradient. We analyze geographical differentials and trends in obesity burden according to socio-demographic conditions in Argentina (2005-2013). Methods The geographical distribution (n = 24 provinces) of the obesity burden in adult population of Argentina in 2005, 2009, and 2013 was analyzed by using mapping techniques. The National Survey of Chronic Diseases Risk Factors datasets were used to estimate and map the age-standardized prevalence of obesity (ASPO) and group-specific prevalence (% obesity) by province and year. Population groups were defined according to socio-demographic factors: age, sex, income level, education, and poverty level (by unsatisfied basic needs –UBN). Results Most of the provinces had an increasing ASPO between 2005 and 2013. In 2013, 75% of the provinces showed an ASPO above 20% in men, while 50% of the provinces exceed this ASPO value in women. In both sexes, the middle-aged group presented the most unfavorable situation. Overall, all the socio-demographic groups considered showed growing trends in obesity prevalence, although there were geographical disparities. Among the middle-income level population, a marked rising change was observed from 2009 to 2013. The population with incomplete primary education presented higher prevalence for all the years studied compared to the population with university education. Conclusions Since 2005, there was an overall increase in obesity prevalence in Argentina, with persistence of geographical disparities according to socio-demographical conditions. Key messages An overall rising trend in obesity prevalence was observed in Argentina. Geographical disparities by social groups were observed.

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Prevalence of obesity among stroke patients in five Brazilian cities: a cross-sectional study

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x20180053 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 76 (6) ◽

pp. 367-372 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Vanessa Speckhahn Vicente ◽

Norberto Luiz Cabral ◽

Vivian Nagel ◽

Vanessa V Guesser ◽

Juliana Safanelli

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

The Body ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Middle Income ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

ABSTRACT Objective There is gap in knowledge about obesity prevalence in stroke patients from low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, we aimed to measure the prevalence of overweight and obesity status among patients with incident stroke in Brazil. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we measured the body mass index (BMI) of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. The sample was extracted in 2016, from the cities of Sobral (CE), Sertãozinho (SP), Campo Grande (MS), Joinville (SC) and Canoas (RS). Results In 1,255 patients with first-ever strokes, 64% (95% CI, 62–67) were overweight and 26% (95%CI, 24–29) were obese. The obesity prevalence ranged from 15% (95%CI, 9–23) in Sobral to 31% (95%CI, 18–45) in Sertãozinho. Physical inactivity ranged from 53% (95%CI, 43-63) in Sobral to 80% (95%CI, 73–85) in Canoas. Conclusions The number of overweight patients with incident stroke is higher than the number of patients with stroke and normal BMI. Although similar to other findings in high-income countries, we urgently need better policies for obesity prevention.

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Association between Obesity and COVID-19 Mortality in Peru: An Ecological Study

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease ◽

10.3390/tropicalmed6040182 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 182

Author(s):

Max Carlos Ramírez-Soto ◽

Miluska Alarcón-Arroyo ◽

Yajaira Chilcon-Vitor ◽

Yelibeth Chirinos-Pérez ◽

Gabriela Quispe-Vargas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mortality Rate ◽

Ecological Study ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Mortality Rates ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Confounding Factors ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Level Data

There is a gap in the epidemiological data on obesity and COVID-19 mortality in low and middle-income countries worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including Peru. In this ecological study, we explored the association between body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and the COVID-19 mortality rates in 25 Peruvian regions, adjusted for confounding factors (mean age in the region, mean income, gender balance and number of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds) using multiple linear regression. We retrieved secondary region-level data on the BMI average and prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in individuals aged ≥ 15 years old, from the Peruvian National Demographics and Health Survey (ENDES 2020). COVID-19 death statistics were obtained from the National System of Deaths (SINADEF) from the Peruvian Ministry of Health and were accurate as of 3 June 2021. COVID-19 mortality rates (per 100,000 habitants) were calculated among those aged ≥ 15 years old. During the study period, a total of 190,046 COVID-19 deaths were registered in individuals aged ≥ 15 years in 25 Peruvian regions. There was association between the BMI (r = 0.74; p = 0.00001) and obesity (r = 0.76; p = 0.00001), and the COVID-19 mortality rate. Adjusted for confounding factors, only the prevalence rate of obesity was associated with COVID-19 mortality rate (β = 0.585; p = 0.033). These findings suggest that as obesity prevalence increases, the COVID-19 mortality rates increase in the Peruvian population ≥ 15 years. These findings can help to elucidate the high COVID-19 mortality rates in Peru.

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National prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in Turkey: cross sectional study of a representative adult population

Open Medicine ◽

10.2478/s11536-007-0024-4 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 294-303 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Tuncay Delibasi ◽

Yasar Karaaslan ◽

Ihsan Ustun ◽

Ertugrul Koroglu ◽

Seref Hosgor

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Representative Sample ◽

Adult Population ◽

Turkish Population ◽

Target Population ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Sample Population ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine underweight, overweight, and obesity prevalence in representative sample of adult (≥ 18 years old) Turkish population living in urban and rural area of Turkey. Turkish citizens aged ≥ 18 who can represent adult population and permanently resident in Turkey were taken to this study in 1999–2000. The nationally representative sample population was selected from the target population using the census which was performed by national institute of statistics at 1997. Target population was 13.570 individuals living in these houses and 8674 people who aged ≥ 18 are chosen for the study. BMI was used as widely accepted diagnostic criteria of obesity. This study demonstrated that the prevalence of underweight was 10.7% in men, 5.9% in women and 8.1% for overall. The prevalence of overweight was 17.4% in men, 20.4% in women and 19% for overall. The prevalence of obesity was 7.8% in men, 22.1% in women and 15.6% for overall. The prevalence of overweight is higher (19.6%) in urban areas but prevalence of obesity is higher (17%) in rural areas of Turkey. Age, educational level and marital status seem to have association with obesity prevalence. The data we obtained showed us that while the underweight is still an issue for men, the overweight and obesity prevalence is high and needs to take early prevention steps for Turkish population.

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Country Level Sales of Ultra-Processed Foods and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Predict Higher BMI and Increased Prevalence of Overweight in Adult and Youth Populations

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa053_030 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 825-825 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jacob Eaton

Keyword(s):

Overweight And Obesity ◽

High Income ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Sweetened Beverages ◽

Country Level ◽

Bmi Trajectories

Abstract Objectives Ultra-processed foods (UPF) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) comprise over 50% of energy intake in most upper-middle and high-income contexts. Higher intake of UPF and SSB is associated with an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity at the individual level, but few studies have examined the association between UPF, SSB, and BMI at the country level. The objective of this study was to evaluate global trends in UPF and SSB sales and associations with trajectories of change in BMI and prevalence of overweight, and obesity. Methods Data on UPF and SSB sales was collected from EuroMonitor International; BMI, overweight, and obesity prevalence from the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration; and potential confounders from the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory. Longitudinal multi-level models were used to estimate the relationship between country-level UPF/SSB sales and weight trajectories for adults and children and adolescents less than 19 years, for both general population and sex disaggregated. Results UPF sales grew 2.7% between 2005 and 2018. Sales were highest in high income contexts of North America (139.3 kg/person/year) and Europe (117.3 kg/p/y) but grew most rapidly in low and lower-middle income countries, particularly South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. SSB sales grew 1.9% but ranged from −22.4% in North America (120.3 liters/person/year in 2018) to 144.7% in South Asia (7.3 liters/p/year). Both UPF and SSB were significant and positive predictors of BMI; 1 SD increases in sales predicted mean population BMI increases between 0.2 kg/m² and 0.5 kg/m². Neither UPF nor SSB predicted obesity, but both were significantly associated with overweight prevalence trajectories for the adult general population and for males. Associations remained controlling for both country calorie supply and physical inactivity prevalence. In children and adolescents (5–19 years), SSBs significantly predicted BMI levels and obesity prevalence, while only UPF was associated with overweight. Conclusions UPF and SSB sales have a significant impact on country-level BMI trajectories. At current rates, upper-middle income countries will soon equal high-income contexts in UPF/SSB consumption and BMI trajectories. Findings suggest the need for global level action to limit UPF and SSB consumption. Funding Sources No funding sources declared.

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Overweight and Obesity Among Adults With Intellectual Disabilities Who Use Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disability Services in 20 U.S. States

American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ◽

10.1352/1944-7558-116.6.401 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 116 (6) ◽

pp. 401-418 ◽

Cited By ~ 71

Author(s):

Roger J Stancliffe ◽

K. Charlie Lakin ◽

Sheryl Larson ◽

Joshua Engler ◽

Julie Bershadsky ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intellectual Disability ◽

General Population ◽

Living Arrangement ◽

Adult Population ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Disability Services ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Obesity And Overweight ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract The authors compare the prevalence of obesity for National Core Indicators (NCI) survey participants with intellectual disability and the general U.S. adult population. In general, adults with intellectual disability did not differ from the general population in prevalence of obesity. For obesity and overweight combined, prevalence was lower for males with intellectual disability than for the general population but similar for women. There was higher prevalence of obesity among women with intellectual disability, individuals with Down syndrome, and people with milder intellectual disability. Obesity prevalence differed by living arrangement, with institutional residents having the lowest prevalence and people living in their own home the highest. When level of intellectual disability was taken into account, these differences were reduced, but some remained significant, especially for individuals with milder disability.

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