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- Title
Trends in Underweight and Overweight/Obesity Prevalence in Chinese Youth, 2004-2009.
- Authors
Seo, Dong-Chul; Niu, Jingjing
- Abstract
Background: There is a paucity of recent data on Chinese childhood overweight and underweight prevalence especially since 2004. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine trends in underweight and overweight/obesity ('overweight' hereafter) prevalence and energy balance-related behaviors of Chinese youth from 2004 to 2009. Methods: Data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, 2004-2009 ( N = 4,061 students aged 6-18 years), were analyzed. Trained health workers took anthropometric measures at the participant's house or at a local clinic following a reference protocol recommended by the World Health Organization. The international age- and sex-specific body mass index reference standard proposed by the International Obesity Task Force was used to define underweight and overweight children in this study. Results: Among 6- to 11-year-old boys, underweight prevalence increased from 14.5 % (2004) to 20.1 % (2009, p = 0.068). Among 12- to 18-year-old boys, however, overweight prevalence increased from 7.5 to 12.6 % ( p = 0.034). From 2004 to 2009, after-school sedentary behavior increased from 2.3 to 3.4 h/day for 6- to 11-year-olds ( p < 0.001) and from 2.2 to 3.1 h/day for 12- to 18-year-olds ( p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the total energy intake decreased 7 % for 6- to 11-year-olds ( p < 0.05) and 10 % for 12- to 18-year-olds ( p < 0.01). Conclusions: Both underweight and overweight Chinese students are increasing, with underweight increases more pronounced in 6- to 11-year-olds and overweight increases more pronounced in 12- to 18-year-olds. Nationwide efficacious interventions are needed that improve the diet, decrease sedentary behavior, and encourage a healthy and realistic body image in Chinese youth.
- Subjects
CHINA; ANTHROPOMETRY; CHILDREN'S health; FOOD preferences; LEANNESS; LEISURE; CHILDHOOD obesity; RESEARCH funding; SOCIOECONOMIC factors; DISEASE prevalence; DESCRIPTIVE statistics
- Publication
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 2014, Vol 21, Issue 4, p682
- ISSN
1070-5503
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s12529-013-9322-1