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[Child obesity in Navarra: evolution, tendency and relation between child and adult obesity. Pecna study]
F Repáraz1, M Chueca, R Elcarte
1Servicio de Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Virgen del Camino, Pamplona.
Insights
Childhood obesity is rising and persists into adulthood. This study tracked obesity in Navarra
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Childhood obesity rates are increasing globally.
- Adult obesity is associated with increased mortality.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of obesity in a pediatric population in Navarra.
- To track obesity trends over a six-year period.
- To analyze the persistence of childhood obesity into adulthood.
Summary:
- A longitudinal study followed 1,164 children (aged 4, 10, 17) from 1987-1993.
- Obesity was defined as a Body Mass Index (Quetelet Index) above the 90th percentile.
- Obesity prevalence increased by 5% over six years, with significant tracking from childhood to adulthood.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the escalating issue of pediatric obesity.
- Demonstrates strong correlation between childhood and adult obesity.
- Emphasizes the need for early, preventative strategies starting in infancy.
Introduction:
Excess of weight at an adult age is linked to an increased risk of dying. Obesity during childhood has been increasing in recent years in the developed countries. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of obesity in an infant-youth population of Navarra and its follow up over six years.
Material And Methods:
Longitudinal study of a cohort formed by 1,164 children of both sexes of 4, 10 and 17 years of age at the start of the study, with data collection in 1987 and 1993. Obesity was calculated using the Index of Corporal Mass or Quetelet Index (QI) higher than percentile 90 for their age and sex.
Results:
The rate of response obtained was 63.3% (n=737). Between 1987 and 1993 there was an increase of 5% in the obese population (p<0.01). There is a significant correlation (r=0.72) between the values of the QI at the start of the study and those obtained at its conclusion. Some 61.4% of the individuals belonging to the higher quintile of the sample at the start of the study continued belonging to this quintile after six years of follow up.
Conclusions:
There was an increase in obesity, in correspondence with the findings of similar studies. There is good "tracking" between obesity during childhood and its presence at an adult age. The strategies for prevention of obesity must start from infancy.