One out of every five children is overweight, according to a recent scientific review conducted by researchers at the University of Sichuan in China and published in Jama Pediatrics. The study highlights the increasing prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents worldwide. The researchers found that skipping breakfast, excessive screen time, and maternal smoking during pregnancy are among the risk factors contributing to childhood obesity.
The study, which reviewed over 2,000 studies from 154 countries involving nearly 46 million people, revealed that the global prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents is 8.5%. However, there is significant variability between regions, with some countries like Vanuatu reporting a prevalence as low as 0.4% and others like Puerto Rico as high as 28.4%.
High-income countries tend to have higher rates of excess weight, but there are also significant differences within these nations. For example, the United States has a prevalence of 18.6%, while Japan is closer to 4%. The study attributes these variations to dietary preferences, with processed foods high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and refined carbohydrates being more common in some countries.
The researchers also found that obesity is no longer just a problem in wealthy nations but is spreading globally. Countries like Ecuador, Mexico, and Kuwait have prevalence rates of 12%, 16.5%, and over 20%, respectively. This trend is particularly concerning as childhood obesity rates continue to rise, with a prevalence of 11.3% in the last decade compared to 7% in the early 2000s.
Experts warn that childhood obesity is not just a standalone issue but can lead to a range of chronic diseases in the long term. Children who are overweight are more likely to develop conditions like prediabetes, asthma, hypertension, and fatty liver, which can progress to more severe complications if left untreated.
In addition to environmental factors and dietary patterns, the study also highlighted the importance of physical activity and sleep in preventing obesity. Children who engage in regular exercise and get enough sleep have a lower risk of developing excess weight. On the other hand, excessive screen time, including watching TV and playing on the computer for more than two hours a day, is associated with an increased risk of obesity.
Overall, the study underscores the urgent need to address the growing problem of childhood obesity and its associated health risks. Experts recommend a comprehensive approach that includes promoting healthy lifestyle habits, improving access to nutritious foods, and increasing opportunities for physical activity to combat this global health challenge.
