scholarly journals Unexpected Plateauing of Childhood Obesity Rates in Developed Countries

2015 ◽  
pp. 47-54
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Developed Countries

scholarly journals Trends in excess weight and thinness among Spanish schoolchildren in the period 1992–2004: the Cuenca study

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1015-1018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno ◽  
Mairena Sánchez López ◽  
Pablo Moya Martínez ◽  
Montserrat Solera Martinez ◽  
Blanca Notario Pacheco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Old Spanish ◽  
Trained Personnel ◽  
Dual Burden ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies ◽  
Frequent Problem

AbstractBackgroundIn developed countries, there is abundant information on the epidemic of childhood obesity, but only a few studies on trends in the dual burden of body weight (overweight and thinness).ObjectiveTo examine trends in overweight and thinness among 9–10-year-old Spanish children in the last decade.MethodsData were taken from cross-sectional studies on schoolchildren in Cuenca (Spain), conducted in 1992, 1996, 1998 and 2004 with similar methods. Weight and height were measured by trained personnel with standardized procedures. Overweight (including obesity) and thinness were defined according with the International Obesity Taskforce BMI cut-offs.ResultsThe overall prevalence of overweight increased from 24·4 % in 1992 to 30·9 % in 2004 (P = 0·07), rising from 21·2 % in 1992 to 32·0 % in 2004 (P = 0·03) among boys and from 27·7 % to 29·8 % (P = 0·67) among girls. The overall prevalence of thinness was 2·7 % in 1992 and 9·2 % in 2004 (P < 0·001); in the same period, thinness prevalence rose from 1·9 % to 9·0 % (P = 0·10) among boys and from 3·7 % to 9·5 % (P < 0·01) among girls.ConclusionsThe dual burden of body weight has increased among children in Cuenca in the last decade. Population-based policies addressing childhood obesity, which is the most frequent problem, should not increase the risk of thinness.

scholarly journals Challenges of childhood obesity in a developing economy: A review

1970 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-179
Author(s):  
CB Eke ◽  
AC Ubesie ◽  
BC Ibe
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
English Language ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Economic Costs ◽  
Double Burden ◽  
Double Burden Of Malnutrition

Background: Obesity once considered a high income country’s malady is now on the rise in most developing countries particularly in urban settings. Most of these emerging economies have been reported to have different shades of under – nutrition coexisting side by side with over-nutrition. It is pertinent therefore that we determine the factors driving the increase in obesity rates in developing countries as they generally lack the infrastructure to adequately handle the associated complications.Objectives: This communication is aimed at reviewing the burden and risk factors for obesity in children in developing countries, double burden of malnutrition, challenges including medical as well as economic costs and sustainable preventive programmes of obesity in our environment with the hope of sensitizing both the health community and policy makers of this emerging epidemic.Methods: We searched relevant literature on the subject published only in English language or translated into English language manually and electronically. The Index Medicus, AJOL, Medline, PUBMED, and HINARI were specifically searched for the period between 1980 and 2014 and reviewed. The following key words were applied in the search: Obesity in childhood, its burden and associated risk factors, complications of obesity in childhood, double burden of malnutrition in developing countries, assessment of obesity, childhood challenges of obesity including its direct and indirect costs in developing countries as well as practical preventive models in developing economies.Results: Several relevant studies were identified. The health as well as economic costs of obesity is diverse. Obesity is the major risk factor for a variety of non – communicable diseases including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and malignancies in later life. Also obese children have higher risk of orthopaedic problems and psychological disturbances like low -self esteem and bullying. This can also lead to poor social adjustments among our teeming youths who are the bedrock of our future economy. Most of these diseases cause premature deaths in addition to long term morbidities. Many of these obesity associated complications impose substantial burden on the health care system in developing countries with weak health systems, and if allowed unmitigated the implications are that the cost of its care may overwhelm not only the health budget but also affect the provisions of basic social amenities.Conclusions: Preventive programmes have been shown to reduce the burden of obesity in developed countries. Dearth of data on burden of obesity and its associated complications in children and adolescents still a challenge in most developing economies. Efforts should be made to prevent childhood obesity using multi- pronged approach at population level through targeted education, sustainable interventions related to healthy nutritional practices as well as physical activity promotion.Key words: Challenges; Obesity; Children; Developing Economies

scholarly journals Childhood obesity and socio-economic class

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 2130
Author(s):  
Rajni Goyal ◽  
Puneet Goyal ◽  
Rajveer Garg
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Soft Drink ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Economic Class ◽  
Socio Economic Status

Background: Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in developed countries. Overweight and obesity in childhood are known to have significant impact on both physical and psychological health. The mechanism of obesity development is not fully understood and it is believed to be a disorder with multiple causes. There are supporting evidence that excessive sugar intake by soft drink, increased portion size and steady decline in physical activity have been playing major role in the rising rates of obesity all around the world. The aim of this study was to compare the obesity status of children (5-18 years) from the upper and middle socio-economic class.Methods: 400 children (200 boys and 200 girls) in the age group of 5-18 years from upper and middle socio-economic status (According to the modified version of Kuppuswamy’s socio-economic status scale) were selected as subjects for this study. Weight and height were measured in minimum acceptable standard clothing without shoes and socks and BMI was calculated. Because there are changes in body weight and height with age, BMI levels among children and teens need to be expressed relative to other children of the same age and sex. Number of children in each BMI-for-age-percentile-range were calculated. By using chi–square test an association of overweight/obesity with socio-economic class was studied in children.Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity was more in upper socio-economic class boys in comparison with middle socio-economic class boys, more girls from upper socio-economic class were overweight/obese in comparison with middle socio-economic class girls and more girls were obese in comparison to boys from upper socio-economic class.Conclusions: The primary prevention could be the key plan for controlling the current epidemic of obesity and these strategies seem to be more effective in children than in adults.

scholarly journals Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity and Its Psychological and Health Comorbidities

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 351-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin D. Smith ◽  
Emily Fu ◽  
Marissa A. Kobayashi
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Home Health Care ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Public Health Burden

Childhood obesity has become a global pandemic in developed countries, leading to a host of medical conditions that contribute to increased morbidity and premature death. The causes of obesity in childhood and adolescence are complex and multifaceted, presenting researchers and clinicians with myriad challenges in preventing and managing the problem. This article reviews the state of the science for understanding the etiology of childhood obesity, the preventive interventions and treatment options for overweight and obesity, and the medical complications and co-occurring psychological conditions that result from excess adiposity, such as hypertension, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and depression. Interventions across the developmental span, varying risk levels, and service contexts (e.g.,community, school, home, health care systems) are reviewed. Future directions for research are offered with an emphasis on translational issues for taking evidence-based interventions to scale in a manner that will reduce the public health burden of the childhood obesity pandemic.

scholarly journals Unexpected plateauing of childhood obesity rates in developed countries

BMC Medicine ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Wabitsch ◽  
Anja Moss ◽  
Katrin Kromeyer-Hauschild
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Developed Countries

scholarly journals The challenges of COVID-19-related weight gain in children

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (S4) ◽  
pp. 66-71
Author(s):  
Mira FLOREA ◽  
◽  
Lucia LOTREAN ◽  
Aida PUIA ◽  
Ana Maria Alexandra STĂNESCU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sleep Habits ◽  
Increased Risk

The current epidemiological context with online schooling, inadequate physical activity and sedentary behavior in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to an increased risk of childhood obesity. Many children in the developed world were already sedentary and 81% of those aged 11-17 years were not physically active enough even before the pandemic, spending a lot of time using various electronic devices. This paper focuses on the COVID-19-related weight gain of children and expert recommendations to alleviate its long- term detrimental consequences, based on data from several countries collected and published in 2020 in 2021. It revise data regarding weight gain in several countries during COVID-19 pandemic, factors which influence weight gain with a special attention to the pandemic context and challenges and opportunities for appropriate weight management of children during this difficult times. Studies performed in developed countries have shown that the disruption of mealtimes, sleep habits and limited physical activity due to the pandemic have led to changes in children’s food habits and an increased body weight among, being noticed several differences based on country, age, gender and socio-economical level. We conclude on the need for an increased awareness among parents and healthcare professionals about the risk of children gaining body weight related to the life changes imposed by this long-lasting COVID-19 pandemic. Parent and child-based educational interventions, reset in this epidemiological context could positively influence children’s behavior to resort to eating comfort before developing resistance to change and improve the recognition and management of their nutritional status. Future research is needed to identify new educational strategies and school-based interventions for both children and parents, targeting an optimal and more active lifestyle to prevent childhood obesity.

scholarly journals An Overview of Childhood Obesity

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-98
Author(s):  
Faizoa Mohsin ◽  
Tahmina Begum ◽  
Kishwar Azad ◽  
Nazmun Nahar
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Family Counseling ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Mixed Features

The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased greatly during the past two to three decades in developed countries. With industrialization and urbanization, obesity is now becoming widely prevalent in developing countries as well. Childhood obesity is the result of persistent adverse changes in food intake, life style and energy expenditure. Although less common, there may be some underlying pathological conditions as well. Obese children and adolescents are at increased risk of having type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, mixed features of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dislipidaemia, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, psychosocial complications, obstructive sleep apnoea, orthopaedic problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome etc. Management of obesity need lifestyle intervention and the benefits are most likely to be achieved when diet and exercise programmes are coordinated with individual and family counseling and behaviour modification. A coordinated approach is needed involving families, school authorities, communities, healthcare providers and government to provide a continuum of population based interventions.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v2i2.12323 (Birdem Med J 2012; 2(2): 93-98)

scholarly journals A Systematic Review on the Intervention Using Exercise Gaming to reduce Childhood Obesity

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aminuddin NA ◽  
Azit NA
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
English Language ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The United States ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
The Impact

The worsening trend of childhood obesity is a global public health issue. Digital technology evolution is a contributing factor towards physical inactivity and obesity among children. In order to overcome this growing problem, exercise games have been introduced in early eighties to ameliorate this obesogenic environment. Exercise games utilize innovative technologies that provide an interactive environment, requiring gestures and body movements to simulate on-screen gameplay. The objective of this review is to assess the effectiveness of exercise gaming intervention in managing childhood obesity. A systematic review was performed. Six articles examining exercise video games impact on weight management among children published between January 2013 and December 2017 in the English language were selected from a total of 54 articles identified through five major search engines. Majority of the research was conducted in developed countries particularly in the United States whereby some developing countries had started with small-scale researches in this area. The result indicated that there was a significant increase in physical activity level, reduction of BMI, reduced adipose tissue composition and a positive psychological impact after the intervention of exercise games. However, the impact of exercise games on physiological and metabolic parameters were inconclusive and requires further study. In conclusion, exercise games are the effective way to combat childhood obesity, along with other modules of lifestyle.

Readiness of communities to engage with childhood obesity prevention initiatives in disadvantaged areas of Victoria, Australia

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheila Cyril ◽  
Michael Polonsky ◽  
Julie Green ◽  
Kingsley Agho ◽  
Andre Renzaho
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Community Readiness ◽  
Obesity Prevalence ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Childhood Obesity Prevention ◽  
Disadvantaged Communities ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Community Readiness Model

Objective Disadvantaged communities bear a disproportionate burden of childhood obesity and show low participation in childhood obesity prevention initiatives. This study aims to examine the level of readiness of disadvantaged communities to engage with childhood obesity prevention initiatives. Methods Using the community readiness model, 95 semi-structured interviews were conducted among communities in four disadvantaged areas of Victoria, Australia. Community readiness analysis and paired t-tests were performed to assess the readiness levels of disadvantaged communities to engage with childhood obesity prevention initiatives. Results The results showed that disadvantaged communities demonstrated low levels of readiness (readiness score = 4/9, 44%) to engage with the existing childhood obesity prevention initiatives, lacked knowledge of childhood obesity and its prevention, and reported facing challenges in initiating and sustaining participation in obesity prevention initiatives. Conclusion This study highlights the need to improve community readiness by addressing low obesity-related literacy levels among disadvantaged communities and by facilitating the capacity-building of bicultural workers to deliver obesity prevention messages to these communities. Integrating these needs into existing Australian health policy and practice is of paramount importance for reducing obesity-related disparities currently prevailing in Australia. What is known about the topic? Childhood obesity prevalence is plateauing in developed countries including Australia; however, obesity-related inequalities continue to exist in Australia especially among communities living in disadvantaged areas, which experience poor engagement in childhood obesity prevention initiatives. Studies in the USA have found that assessing disadvantaged communities’ readiness to participate in health programs is a critical initial step in reducing the disproportionate obesity burden among these communities. However, no studies in Australia have assessed disadvantaged communities’ readiness to engage in obesity prevention initiatives. What does this paper add? This paper addresses the current gap in the knowledge of disadvantaged communities’ level of readiness to engage in childhood obesity prevention initiatives in Australia. The study also identified the key factors responsible for low readiness of disadvantaged communities to participate in current childhood obesity prevention services. By using the Community Readiness model this study shows the readiness levels specific to the various dimensions of the model; Understanding dimension-specific readiness allows us to identify strategies that are tailored to each dimension, as guided by the model. What are the implications for practitioners? With the increasing burden of childhood obesity on disadvantaged communities, policymakers and health practitioners are facing a crisis in obesity prevention and management. Almost every year, new interventions are being planned and implemented. However if the target communities are not ready to participate in the available interventions these efforts are futile. This study exposes the key factors responsible for low readiness to participate in current obesity prevention services by disadvantaged communities. Addressing these key factors and improving readiness before designing new interventions will improve the participation of disadvantaged communities in those interventions. The study findings ultimately have the potential of reducing obesity-related disparities in Australia.

Associations of built environment and children’s physical activity: a narrative review

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Houshmand E. Masoumi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Residential Neighborhood ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

AbstractProblem:Childhood obesity has been an epidemic particularly in high-income countries. There is a considerable volume of data and studies depicting the rising number of obese children and adolescents in different countries. As suggested by the literature, physical inactivity is one the main drivers of childhood obesity. This paper addresses the associations of the built environment with physical activity of children in order to find to theoretically facilitate intervention and prevention measures.Literature:There is a large body of literature describing the overall determinants of children’s physical activity. The built environment is one of the influential factors that have been partially examined. Among the physical environment indicators, distance to school has been repeatedly reported to be negatively associated with active travels to school; thus, it indirectly affects physical activity of children. Apart from distance to school, some other built environment indicators have also been less researched, such as population and construction densities, distance to the city center, land use mix, and type of urban fabric (urban, suburban, etc.).Objective:The purpose of this review was to shed light on some of the less-studied areas of the existing literature related to the relationship between the built environment and physical activity of children aged between 3 and 12 years.Method:The English-language publications, majority of which were peer-reviewed journal papers published in recent years, were collected and descriptively analyzed. Two large categories were the backbone of this narrative review: (1) non-school outdoor activities of children that take place in the residential neighborhood and (2) commuting to school and the related interventions such as safe routes to school.Results:Seven areas were synthesized by this review of the literature. Differences in associations of the built environment and physical activity in (1) different types of urban forms and land uses such as urban, suburban, high-density, etc.; (2) different city sizes such as small towns, mid-sized cities, large cities and megacities; (3) different cultures, subcultures and ethnicities in the same city of country, e.g. the Asian minority of London or the Turkish minority of Germany; (4) between perceptions of parents and children and associations with children’s physical activity, e.g. how they perceive safety and security of the neighborhood; (5) associations of the built environment with children’s physical activity in less-studied contexts, e.g. many developing and under-developed countries or eastern European countries; (6) differences in built environment – physical activity associations in different regions of the world, e.g. continents; and finally (7) associations between mobility patterns of parents and their children’s physical activity, for instance, the frequencies of taking public transport or walk as a commute mode.Conclusion:Researchers are recommended to focus their less-researched subtopics mentioned under the Results section in accordance with local conditions observed in less-researched contexts so that measures and interventions are accordingly planned.

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