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Overweight and obesity in preschool children from developing countries
R Martorell1, L Kettel Khan, M L Hughes
1Department of International Health, The Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. rmart77@sph.emory.edu
Summary
Childhood obesity is not a widespread issue in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. However, overweight and obesity in preschool children are rising in other regions, influenced by maternal education and urban settings.
Area of Science:
- Global child nutrition
- Pediatric public health
- Developing country health trends
Background:
- Childhood overweight and obesity are growing global concerns.
- Understanding regional variations and influencing factors is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess overweight and obesity prevalence in preschool children across developing nations.
- To examine associations with maternal education, urban/rural residence, gender, and Gross National Product (GNP).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 71 national nutrition surveys (since 1986) from 50 countries.
- Primary sample: 150,482 children aged 12-60 months.
- Overweight/obesity defined by WHO/NCHS weight-for-height references; stunting defined as <-2 s.d.
Main Results:
- Obesity prevalence <2.3% in 32/50 countries, lowest in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Overweight more prevalent in urban areas, children of higher-educated mothers, and girls.
- GNP negatively correlated with stunting and positively with overweight.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is not a major public health problem for preschool children in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Prevalence in Latin America, Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe/CIS is comparable to the United States.
- Socioeconomic factors like maternal education and urbanization significantly influence childhood overweight.