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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Environmental factors associated with overweight and obesity in taiwanese children
Yang-Ching Chen1, Pau-Chung Chen, Wu-Shiun Hsieh
1Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan.
Insights
This study identified key factors influencing childhood overweight and obesity in Taiwan. Modifiable factors like smoking cessation, birthweight management, and promoting exercise can help reduce risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Investigated sociodemographic, behavioral, environmental, and perinatal factors linked to childhood overweight and obesity in Taiwan.
- Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Taiwanese children aged 9-14 years was examined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between various factors and the risk of childhood overweight and obesity.
- Identify modifiable risk factors for childhood overweight and obesity.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 7930 children (aged 9-14) from 14 Taiwanese communities (2007-2010).
- Measured height and weight using standard protocols; collected data via parental questionnaires on family, birth, exercise, and environmental factors.
- Analyzed associations using mixed models, calculating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- 32.3% of children were overweight, and 17.5% were obese.
- Positive associations with overweight/obesity: male gender, high birthweight, in utero and household environmental tobacco smoke exposure.
- Protective factors: higher parental education, more siblings, active exercise, vitamin intake. Birthweight showed a J-shaped relationship.
Conclusions:
- Identified several modifiable risk factors for childhood overweight and obesity.
- Parents are encouraged to create an anti-obesity environment by quitting smoking, managing birthweight during pregnancy, and fostering exercise habits.
Background:
We explored the relationship among sociodemographic, behavioural, household environmental and perinatal factors, and risks of childhood overweight and obesity in Taiwan.
Methods:
A total of 7930 children aged 9 to 14 years were recruited from 14 randomly selected Taiwanese communities in 2007 and 2010. Height and weight were measured using standard protocols during school visits. Questionnaires that contained children's family information, birth conditions, exercise habits and household environmental factors were answered by the parents. Associations between risk factors and childhood overweight and obesity were estimated through odds ratio and 95% confidence interval from mixed models.
Results:
In this cohort, 32.3% of the children were overweight and 17.5% were obese. Male gender, high birthweight, exposure to in utero maternal smoking and current exposure to household environmental tobacco smoke (stronger effect of maternal than paternal smoking) were positively associated with childhood overweight/obesity. In contrast, higher parental education level, number of siblings, active exercise habits and taking vitamins were associated with reduced risks of childhood obesity. Birthweight revealed a J-shaped relationship with the probability of childhood overweight/obesity.
Conclusions:
This study uncovers several modifiable risk factors for childhood overweight and obesity, and parents are encouraged to provide an anti-obesity environment such as quitting smoking, controlling birthweight of child during pregnancy and building up exercise habits.
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