Prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents aged 2–16 years

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of obesity and overweight in children and adolescents in our city and to investigate the associated factors.Subjects and methodsA cross-sectional study of 1317 children and adolescents aged 2–16 years was done. Multistage probability sampling was used to select three groups of subjects: 411 aged 12–16 years, 504 aged 6–12 years, and 402 aged 2–6 years. Body mass index was calculated, and obesity and overweight were diagnosed using the threshold levels of the International Obesity Task Force for children and adolescents. Parents were asked about eating habits, health, social, and demographic aspects. Results are given as percentages (95% confidence interval). The relationship between obesity and overweight and the different variables was studied using multiple logistic regression. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was calculated.ResultsAmong children and adolescents aged 2–16 years, 9.5% (8.0–11.0%) were obese and 22.4% (23.3–24.6%) were overweight. Of subjects aged 12–16 years, 8.5% (5.9–11.2%) were obese and 20.5% (16.7–24.3%) were overweight. In the groups aged 6–12 years and 2–6 years, rates of obesity and overweight were 11.6% (8.9–14.3%) and 31.0% (27.0–35.0) and 8.0% (5.4–10.6%) and 13.6% (10.3–16.9%), respectively. Obesity or overweight was associated to age (OR 1.21; p < 0.001), maternal obesity (OR 10.99; p = 0.008), a birthweight higher than 4 kg (OR 2.91; p = 0.002), and formula feeding (OR 1.82; p = 0.005).ConclusionObesity and overweight in children and adolescents are highly prevalent problems in our city.

ResumenObjetivosCalcular la prevalencia de obesidad y sobrepeso en niños y adolescentes de nuestra ciudad e investigar los factores asociados.Sujetos y métodosEstudio transversal de 1.317 niños y adolescentes de 2 a 16 años. Mediante muestreo probabilístico polietápico se seleccionaron 3 grupos: 411 de 12 a 16, 504 de 6 a 12 y 402 de 2 a 6 años. Se les calculó el índice de masa corporal y se definió obesidad y sobrepeso según la International Obesity Task Force. Se realizó un cuestionario de consumo de alimentos y de características clínicas y sociodemográficas. Los resultados se expresan como porcentajes (intervalos de confianza al 95%). Mediante regresión logística múltiple se estudió la asociación entre exceso de peso (obesidad y sobrepeso) y las distintas variables, calculando la odds ratio (OR) ajustada.ResultadosEl 9,5% (8,0-11,0) de los niños y adolescentes de 2 a 16 años son obesos y 22,4% (23,3-24,6) tienen sobrepeso. En el grupo de 12 a 16 años, el 8,5% (5,9-11,2) son obesos y el 20,5% (16,7-24,3) tienen sobrepeso, en el grupo de 6 a 12 años el 11,6% (8,9-14,3) y el 31,0% (27,0-35,0) y en el de 2 a 6 años el 8,0% (5,4-10,6) y el 13,6% (10,3-16,9), respectivamente. Se asocian con el exceso de peso la edad (OR 1,21; p < 0,001), la obesidad materna (OR 10,99; p = 0,008), el peso al nacer mayor de 4 kg (OR 2,91; p = 0,002) y la lactancia artificial exclusiva (OR 1,82; p = 0,005).ConclusiónLa obesidad y el sobrepeso infantil y juvenil son problemas extraordinariamente prevalentes en nuestra ciudad.