Childhood obesity in the Caribbean

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Public Health Nutrition
• Childhood Obesity Research

Background:

• Childhood overweight and obesity represent a significant global health concern.
• Understanding regional prevalence is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
• Bonaire, a Caribbean island, lacks comprehensive data on pediatric overweight and obesity rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To ascertain the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-aged children in Bonaire.
• To identify lifestyle and nutritional factors associated with overweight and obesity in this population.
• To inform the development of effective prevention strategies for childhood overweight in Bonaire.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, school-based study was conducted involving 2148 children aged 4-16 years in Bonaire.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and categorized using International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria.
• Data on lifestyle and nutrition were collected via a questionnaire administered to the children.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of overweight (including obesity) was 24.3% in boys and 31.9% in girls.
• Obesity rates were 9.9% for boys and 13.7% for girls.
• Children with unhealthy dietary patterns were common, and overweight/obese children engaged in less than one hour of daily physical activity compared to normal-weight peers.

Conclusions:

• Childhood overweight and obesity are highly prevalent in Bonaire.
• Effective prevention requires interventions promoting healthy eating habits and increased physical activity.
• Urgent public health initiatives are needed to address the high rates of pediatric overweight and obesity in Bonaire.