Excess weight is a prevalent global health issue affecting children and adolescents worldwide. A recent scientific review conducted by researchers at the University of Sichuan in China and published in Jama Pediatrics sheds light on the escalating rates of childhood obesity. The study reveals that the number of overweight or obese children has increased significantly over the past decade, with one in five children now falling into this category.
The research findings highlight the diverse risk factors associated with childhood obesity, ranging from dietary habits to behavioral patterns. Skipping breakfast, excessive screen time, and maternal smoking during pregnancy have been identified as key contributors to the development of obesity in children. The accumulation of excess fat during early childhood can persist into adulthood, leading to a higher risk of various health conditions such as depression and hypertension.
Past estimates have indicated a rising trend in obesity rates among both children and adults globally. In 2015, it was reported that over 100 million children and 600 million adults were obese. Projections by the World Obesity Federation suggest that the number of individuals aged 5 to 19 with obesity will continue to increase, reaching 310 million by 2025 and 350 million by 2030.
The recent study analyzed data from more than 2,000 research studies involving nearly 46 million individuals across 154 countries. It revealed a global obesity prevalence of 8.5% among children and adolescents, with significant regional variations. For instance, obesity rates in Vanuatu stand at 0.4%, while in Puerto Rico, the prevalence is as high as 28.4%. In Spain, the obesity rate is reported at 9.28%.
Notably, high-income countries exhibit higher rates of obesity, with variations observed within these nations as well. The United States has a prevalence of 18.6%, whereas Japan’s rate is approximately 4%. The study attributes these differences to dietary preferences, noting that countries like the U.S. and European nations often consume processed foods high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and refined carbohydrates.
