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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Underweight problems in Asian children and adolescents
1Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. kkmak@graduate.hku.hk
European Journal of Pediatrics
|February 22, 2012
Summary
Underweight in Asian children and adolescents is more common in South and West Asia, particularly in boys. Trends show increasing underweight prevalence, necessitating targeted public health policies, especially in less-developed regions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Limited research exists on underweight children, with most studies focusing on obesity.
- Understanding underweight prevalence and trends in Asian pediatric populations is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the prevalence and trends of underweight status among Asian children and adolescents over the past two decades (1990-2010).
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of scientific publications was conducted.
- Data from studies published between 1990 and 2010 were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Underweight was more prevalent in South and West Asian countries compared to East Asian countries.
- Gender disparities were observed: boys were more affected in South/West Asia, while girls were more affected in East Asia.
- Increasing trends in underweight prevalence were noted across South and West Asia.
Conclusions:
- Targeted public health policies are essential to address underweight issues in Asian children and adolescents, particularly in less-developed nations.
- Addressing regional and gender-specific differences in underweight prevalence is critical for effective interventions.
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