Increasing prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in a coastal province in China

Background: The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity constitutes a serious public health problem in both developed and developing countries.

Objectives: The present study examined the prevalent trends in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Shandong, China spanning 29 years (1985-2014).

Methods: Data for this study were obtained from four cross-sectional surveys of schoolchildren carried out in 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2014 in Shandong Province, China. A total of 39 943 students aged 7-18 years were included in this study (14 458 in 1985, 7 198 in 1995, 8 568 in 2005 and 9 719 in 2014).

Results: Using IOTF criteria, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 1.73% and 0.05% for boys, 1.67% and 0.04% for girls in 1985 to 20.83% and 10.39% for boys, 15.81% and 4.35% for girls in 2014; Using World Health Organization criteria, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 2.76% and 0.45% for boys, 2.46% and 0.11% for girls in 1985 to 20.30% and 18.16% for boys, 18.89% and 6.58% for girls in 2014, respectively.

Conclusion: Childhood overweight and obesity has entered the extensively epidemic stage in this region at present. Comprehensive strategies of intervention should include periodical monitoring, education on pattern of nutrition, oxygen-consuming physical exercises and healthy dietary behaviour.