Significant Decrease in Childhood Obesity and Waist Circumference over 15 Years in Switzerland: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

Despite a global increase in childhood obesity over the past decades, several countries, including Switzerland, have recently reported stabilizing trends. Using national data from school-aged children in Switzerland over the past 16 years, our study aim was to assess changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, central adiposity and predictors of obesity related to lifestyle and parental factors. Nationally representative samples of children aged 6–12 years were studied in 2002 (n = 2493), 2007 (n = 2218), 2012 (n = 2963), and 2017/18 (n = 2279). Height and weight, waist circumference, and multiple skinfold thicknesses were measured. Potential risk factors for overweight and obesity were determined using a self-administered questionnaire in 2017/18, collecting data on diet, physical activity, and parental factors. Prevalence (95% CI) of overweight (incl. obesity) and obesity in 2017/18 was 15.9% (14.4–17.4) and 5.3% (4.5–6.3), respectively. Binary logistic regression revealed a small but significant decrease in the prevalence of overweight (including obesity) since 2002 (OR (95% CI) = 0.988 (0.978–0.997)), while the change in obesity alone was not significant. The most important risk factors for childhood overweight/obesity in 2017/18 were low parental education, non-Swiss origin of the parents, low physical activity of the child, and male sex. In conclusion, we have shown a small but significant declining trend in the childhood overweight/obesity prevalence over the past 15 years in Switzerland. Based on the risk factor analysis, preventive action in schoolchildren might be most effective in boys, migrant populations, and families with lower education, and should emphasize physical activity.

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Development of RisObIn.Com, a Screening Tool for Risk of Childhood Obesity in the Community

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12113288 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 3288

Author(s):

Ana Catarina Moreira ◽

Patrícia Almeida Oliveira ◽

Rute Borrego ◽

Telma Nogueira ◽

Raquel Ferreira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Screening Tool ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Tool Development ◽

School Screening ◽

The Past ◽

Point Set

The prevalence of childhood overweight has increased considerably in the past three decades and there is evidence that childhood obesity can persist into adulthood. A simple tool to identify relevant risk factors may alert families and prevent overweight and obesity. This study aims to develop a pre-school screening tool to assess the risk of childhood obesity. Child anthropometric measurements and several risk factors for childhood obesity factors were obtained. The effect of the variables on the outcome of obesity (defined as increased anthropometry-estimated adiposity) was assessed by binary logistic regression analyses. The identified variables were submitted for expert panel validation and combined for the tool development. A total of 304 children were included. Eight items were included in the tool. A higher score of the tool indicates a greater risk for obesity in childhood with the cutoff point set at 0. The tool sensitivity for obesity was 95%, specificity was 74.4%, the positive predictive value was 37.3%, and negative predictive value was 98.9%. The Risk of childhood Obesity In the Community (RisObIn.Com) tool is proposed to be a comprehensive tool to identify children at high risk for late childhood obesity at admission to primary school. Further studies are needed to assess the performance of the tool.

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Obesity and lifestyle risk factors among an adult population in Legal Amazon, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Revista de Salud Pública ◽

10.15446/rsap.v18n1.30570 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 26-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rita De Cássia Spanhol ◽

Carlos Kusano Bucalen Ferrari

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Body Mass ◽

Soft Drinks ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Activity Level ◽

Lifestyle Risk Factors ◽

Lifestyle Risk

To evaluate the frequency of obesity and lifestyle risk factors in the population of Barra do Garças, Legal Amazon.Methodology A randomized, transversal study with 305 adults of both genders was performed. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, food dietary habits, frequency of smoking and alcoholic consumption, practice of physical activity, and the physical activity level were evaluated. Results Smoking and alcoholic consumption was higher among men compared to women. Almost 60 % of men engaged in leisure-time physical activities, whereas only 42.4 % of women practiced physical activity. Women were engaged in mostly sedentary behavior activities, such as watching television and using the computer use than men. Dietary daily intake of fruits and vegetables were higher among women compared to men (65.9 % and 51.5 %, respectively). Men were more prone to drink soft drinks than women. However, 39.4 % of men and only 3.4 % of women drank soft drinks three or more days per week. The prevalence of overweight and obesity according to body mass index (BMI) was higher in this study. 34.4 % of men and 33.7 % of women were overweight and 15.10 % and 17.50% of men and women, respectively, were classifyied as obese. Elevated values of waist circumference were found in 35.35 % of men and 70.73 % of women.Conclusión Women were more sedentary than men and had higher prevalence of abnormal waist circumference values.

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Program Obesity Zero (POZ) – a community-based intervention to address overweight primary-school children from five Portuguese municipalities

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980013000244 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. 1043-1051 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Ana Isabel Rito ◽

Maria Ana Carvalho ◽

Carlos Ramos ◽

João Breda

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Primary School ◽

School Children ◽

Low Income ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Activity Level ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Nutrition And Physical Activity

AbstractObjectiveResults of the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative indicated that on average one out of four primary-school children is overweight or obese. Portugal presented one of the highest prevalences of obesity. Childhood obesity prevention and treatment should be a top priority. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Program Obesity Zero (POZ), a multi-component, community-, family- and school-based childhood obesity intervention.DesignParents and children attended four individual nutrition and physical activity counselling sessions, a one-day healthy cooking workshop and two school extracurricular sessions of nutrition education. Waist circumference, BMI, physical activity level, sedentary behaviours, and nutrition and physical activity knowledge, attitudes and behaviour were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. Diet was assessed using two 24 h recalls, at baseline and at 6 months.SettingFive Portuguese municipalities and local communities.SubjectsTwo hundred and sixty-six overweight children (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) aged 6–10 years, from low-income families in five Portuguese municipalities, were assigned to the intervention.ResultsChildren showed reductions in waist circumference (−2·0 cm; P < 0·0001), mean BMI (−0·7 kg/m2; P < 0·0001) and BMI-for-age percentile (−1·7; P < 0·0001) at 6 months. Overall, children's intake of fruit and vegetables was <400 g/d throughout the intervention. After 6 months, higher fibre consumption and an apparent decrease in sugary soft drinks intake to a quarter of that observed at baseline (mean intake: 198 ml/d at baseline), with improvements in physical activity levels and screen time <2 h/d, were also observed.ConclusionsThe findings suggested that POZ is a promising intervention programme, at municipality level, to tackle childhood overweight and obesity.

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Media Screen time, Physical Activity and Nutritional Indicators as Risk Factors for Childhood and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity in Aguas Zarcas, Costa Rica.

UNED Research Journal ◽

10.22458/urj.v6i2.622 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 181-186

Author(s):

Chloe Souza

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Costa Rica ◽

Video Game ◽

Screen Time ◽

Negative Relationship ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Abdominal Circumference ◽

Related Risk

Childhood obesity is an increasingly serious issue worldwide. There is substantial research that explores health problems, psychosocial issues and rising medical costs related to obesity, however, limited research has discovered the etiology and specific risk factors associated with the epidemic. This study sought to understand the prevalence and related risk factors of obesity in rural Aguas Zarcas, Costa Rica in Spring 2011. The sample included 1 025 school-aged children ages four to 18. Each child participating in the study completed a survey that addressed hypothesized risk factors (i.e. media screen time and physical activity). I also measured each subject’s height, weight, and abdominal circumference to determine whether significant relationships existed between the proposed risk factors and the overall rate of obesity among school children. Results showed a positive relationship between screen time (time spent in front of a television, computer, or video game) and BMI/abdominal circumference and a negative relationship between physical activity and BMI/abdominal circumference. Time spent watching television on the weekend was positively correlated to BMI (p < 0,001) and physical activity throughout the week and weekend was negatively correlated with both BMI and abdominal circumference (p < 0,0001). Most children involved in the study fell within healthy height and weight classifications, while 12% were considered obese according to the Center for Disease Control’s BMI standards. Obesity rates were especially high among males and females ages ten through 12. This research serves as a foundation for further exploration of obesity risk factors and prevalence, and can be used to inform policy and programming to prevent the impending rise of childhood obesity in Costa Rica.

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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Obesity among School Children in Sylhet, Bangladesh

Journal of Nepal Health Research Council ◽

10.3126/jnhrc.v16i2.20311 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 205-208 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Madhusudan Saha ◽

Dipal Krishna Adhikary ◽

Irin Parvin ◽

Yuba Raj Sharma ◽

Fahmida Akhter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

School Children ◽

Food Habit ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

P Value ◽

Growth Chart ◽

Computer Gaming ◽

Control Growth

Background: Childhood obesity is found in affluent society, less physical activity and changes in food pattern. This study was designed to see prevalence and risk factors of childhood obesity among school children of Sylhet city.Methods: Students of class five and six of two schools of Sylhet city were randomly selected. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected and recorded in predesigned data sheet. BMI and percentile were calculated using official centre for disease control growth chart for 2 to 20 years. Logistic regression analysis was done to see association of various factors with childhood obesity. P value of ≤0.05 was taken as significant.Results: Total 288 children were included in this study. Age varied from 10 to 14 years. Among them 5.6% and 8.7% were found to be obese and overweight respectively. Obesity was significantly higher among girls (6.8% vs3.6%). Prevalence of obesity and overweight (p=0.001) was more among those who spent less time in physical exercise and outdoor games. Food habit, television watching, computer gaming and duration of sleep were not found as significant predictor of obesity.Conclusions: Obesity was significantly higher among girls (6.8% vs3.6%). Girls with less physical activity were mainly associated with overweight and obesity.

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Characteristics of Multicomponent Interventions to Treat Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Extremely Cold Climates: A Systematic Review of a Randomized Controlled Trial

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18063098 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 3098

Author(s):

Javier Albornoz-Guerrero ◽

Sonia García ◽

Guillermo García Pérez de Sevilla ◽

Igor Cigarroa ◽

Rafael Zapata-Lamana

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Childhood Overweight ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Cold Climate ◽

Cold Climates ◽

Childhood Overweight And Obesity ◽

Effective Interventions ◽

Multicomponent Interventions

Aim: To analyze the characteristics of multicomponent interventions to reduce childhood overweight and obesity in territories with an extremely cold climate. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA statement. MEDLINE, PsycNet, SciELO, and grey literature databases were reviewed in the period between 2010 and 2020. Results: 29 articles were included (n = 4434 participants; 9.3 years; 56% women) with an average adherence of 86%, 100% being the highest adherence, for the physical activity and nutrition interventions. The primary variables studied were BMI, BMI Z-score BMI-SDS and, additionally, the secondary variables studied were nutritional status and physical and mental health. In 72% of the interventions presented, positive effects were seen on the reduction of BMI, including in parents and their children. The interventions were carried out mainly by nutritionists in health centers. The duration of the 29 interventions was ≤6 months and ≥12 months, in 59% and 41% of the studies, respectively. 57% of the studies reported post-intervention results. 86% of the interventions included a physical activity component, 80% included a nutrition component, 66% included a behavioral therapy component and 55% included an education component. Concerning the effects of the intervention on the primary outcome, in interventions with a duration equal to or less than six months, the most effective interventions included recreational activities, education, and nutritional programs. In interventions lasting 12 months or more, the most effective interventions included physical activity recommendations, nutritional and physical exercise programs, and cooking classes. Conclusions: This systematic review analyzed the effectiveness of, and characterized, multicomponent interventions lasting for 6 and 12 months, aiming to treat childhood obesity in extremely cold climates. The most frequently used units of measurement were also analyzed and summarized. Evidence derived from RCT. These results can be useful for designing future interventions to treat childhood obesity in territories with an extremely cold climate.

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Risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among reproductive aged females residing in Bharatpur Metropolitan City

Advances in Obesity Weight Management & Control ◽

10.15406/aowmc.2020.10.00310 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 75-82

Author(s):

Sadikshya Subedi ◽

Richa Bhattarai ◽

Rojina Bista

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Marital Status ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Carbohydrate Intake ◽

Calorie Intake ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Metropolitan City ◽

Waist Hip Ratio

Overweight and obesity is becoming one of the major public health problems in developing countries like Nepal. A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the risk factors associated with overweight and obesity among reproductive aged females of 15-49 years residing in Bharatpur metropolitan city. Anthropometric measurement was used to determine Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist Hip Ratio (WHR). Data on socio-demographic, physical activity, dietary and behavioral factors was collected using structured questionnaire. Microsoft excel and SPSS version 20 were used to analyze data and chi square test was performed to analyze the factors associated with BMI, WC and WHR cut-offs. The result of this study revealed that 32.3% of females were overweight and 9.7% of females were obese. Similarly, on the basis of waist circumference 69% of females were abdominally obese and on the basis of waist hip ratio 68% of females were abdominally obese. Mean BMI was found to be 24.1c10.01 kg/m2, waist circumference was found to be 86.41±13.091 cm and waist hip ratio was found to be 0.89±0.108. This study shows that age, marital status, parity, stress, sleeping time, calorie intake, carbohydrate intake, physical activity and fruits consumption were found to be significantly associated (P<0.05) with overweight and obesity. Age, marital status, parity, calorie intake, fat intake, physical activity and fruits consumption were found to have significant association (P<0.05) with waist circumference. Similarly, age, marital status, parity, cloth wear, calorie intake, carbohydrate intake and physical activity were found to be significant predictors (P<0.05) of WHR in the study. The findings show a clear evidence of the rising trends of overweight and obesity among reproductive aged female. Overall this study indicate that efforts should be made to address the problem of overweight and obesity, by addressing the factors associated and minimize its consequences

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Childhood Overweight and Obesity is Increasing in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Review of the Literature

Journal of Transcultural Nursing ◽

10.1177/1043659619829528 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (6) ◽

pp. 603-615 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Basma Al Yazeedi ◽

Diane C. Berry

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Childhood Overweight ◽

Gulf Cooperation Council ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Lifestyle Behavior ◽

Childhood Overweight And Obesity ◽

Gcc Countries ◽

Obesity Risk Factors

Introduction: A review was conducted to examine the prevalence and risk factors of developing overweight and obesity in children residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Method: PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases using PRISMA guidelines were searched from January 1, 2007, to January 1, 2017. The inclusion criteria were (a) studies written in English, (b) clinical trials that examined risk factors of childhood overweight or obesity, (c) studies involving children 5 to 10 years of age, and (d) studies conducted in GCC countries. Results: Three main types of childhood obesity risk factors were identified (individual, familial, and lifestyle behavioral factors). The dietary, physical activity, and screen time lifestyle behavior risk factor findings were inconclusive. Discussion: Childhood obesity is increasing in GCC countries. Lifestyle behavior risk factors are still unclear. Researchers need to use instruments that have been psychometric tested and culturally acceptable. A follow-up review should be conducted.

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A comparative study of associated risk factors of overweight in normal and overweight children of 12-16 years of age

International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ◽

10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20181516 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 933

Author(s):

Mohan A. Patil ◽

Ritu Raj Rana

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Comparative Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Tv Viewing ◽

Eating Out ◽

Mode Of Transport ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

Obesity In Children

Background: In 21st century childhood obesity has become one of the most serious public health problem. This now a global problem and affecting all the countries of the world. Overweight and obesity in children and adolescent is defined by American medical association as BMI between 85-95 centile and BMI >95th centile respectively for children aged 2-16 years. Risk factors for overweight and obesity in children are different for different regions, places, cultures and food habits of different people and society. New factors are coming up due to economic prosperity and change in lifestyle of the young population. Habit formation occurs mainly during childhood and adolescence so primary intervention targeting this age group has high possibility of yielding good results.Methods: A comparative study of associated risk factors of overweight and obesity was conducted in D. Y. Patil Medical College in Children’s age 12-16 years. The independent variable (parameters) for the study were age, gender, type of family, paternal education, maternal education, father’s occupation, mother’s occupation, socio-economic status, at least one overweight parent, sleeping time, TV viewing time, type of food, mode of transport to reach school, frequency of eating out and level of physical activity. Children were given questionnaire that was filled by their parents and return back to us.Results: The analysis revealed that at least one overweight parent, mode of transport to reach school and frequency of eating out are associated with obesity while TV viewing duration and level of physical activity are strongly associated with obesity.Conclusions: Childhood obesity is a chronic multifactorial medical condition. Its risk can be significantly reduced by avoiding and preventing some factors.

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The Implementation of Childhood Obesity Related Policy Interventions in Malaysia—A Non Communicable Diseases Scorecard Project

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115950 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5950

Author(s):

Wilfred Kok Hoe Mok ◽

Noran Naqiah Hairi ◽

Caryn Mei Hsien Chan ◽

Feisul Idzwan Mustapha ◽

Thamil Arasu Saminathan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Current Status ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Modified Delphi ◽

Policy Interventions ◽

Non Governmental Organizations ◽

The Government

(1) Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children has increased tremendously in the ASEAN region, including Malaysia. In Malaysia, the National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases (2015–2025) provides the overall framework for its response to the non-communicable diseases (NCD) epidemic. Preventing childhood obesity is one of the key strategies for early intervention to prevent NCDs. The objective of this research is to examine the current status of policy interventions in addressing childhood obesity in Malaysia. (2) Methods: A panel of 22 stakeholders and experts from Malaysia, representing the government, industry, academia and non-governmental organizations, were sampled using a modified Delphi technique. Data were collected using a modified NCD scorecard under four domains (governance, risk factors, surveillance and research and health systems response). A heat map was used to measure the success of the four realms of the NCD scorecard. For each domain of the NCD scorecard, the final score was grouped in quintiles. (3) Results: A total of 22 participants responded, comprising of eight (36.4%) males and 14 (63.4%) females. All the domains measured in implementing policies related to childhood obesity were of low progress. Nine governance indicators were reported as 22.5% (low progress), four in the risk factors domain, and two in the surveillance. This shows that timely and accurate monitoring, participatory review and evaluation, and effective remedies are necessary for a country’s surveillance system. (4) Conclusion: Although Malaysia has published several key strategic documents relating to childhood obesity and implemented numerous policy interventions, we have identified several gaps that must be addressed to leverage the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing childhood obesity in the country.

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