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A social epidemiologic study of obesity among preschool children in Thailand

N Sakamoto1, S Wansorn, K Tontisirin

  • 1Department of Community Health and Medicine, Research Institute, International Medical Center of Japan, Tokyo, Japan. nao@nao.to

International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders : Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity
|April 25, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is rising in Thailand, particularly in urban settings. Socioeconomic status significantly influences obesity rates among children in this Asian developing country.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing global concern, especially in developing nations.
  • Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of childhood obesity in Saraburi Province, Thailand.
  • To investigate the association between socioeconomic status and childhood obesity.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,157 children from Saraburi Province.
  • Nutritional status was assessed using weight-for-height index; socioeconomic status was determined via parental questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of childhood obesity was 22.7% in urban areas and 7.4% in rural areas.
  • Significant correlations were found between childhood obesity and parental education and household income.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood obesity is an emerging public health issue in urban areas of developing Asian countries.
  • Socioeconomic status is a key determinant in the prevalence of childhood obesity.
Abstract

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