Increasing prevalence of overweight among Seychelles children, 1998-2002
Pascal Bovet1, George Madeleine2, Dana Padayachy2
1Health Education and Promotion Division, Ministry of Health, Republic of Seychelles; University Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Neurotoxicology
|March 20, 2021
Summary
Childhood excess weight is a growing concern in Seychelles. Between 1998 and 2002, the prevalence of overweight and obesity significantly increased in school children, particularly younger ones.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Public Health Nutrition
- Childhood Obesity Epidemiology
Background:
- Excess weight in children is a global health issue with significant long-term consequences.
- Understanding regional trends is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
- Seychelles, a small island nation, faces unique public health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and temporal trends of excess weight (overweight and obesity) in Seychelles school children.
- To investigate the association between physical activity and excess weight in this population.
- To provide data to inform public health policies and interventions in Seychelles.
Main Methods:
- Serial cross-sectional surveys conducted annually from 1998 to 2002.
- Inclusion of students from four school grades (crèche, 4th, 7th, 10th).
- Definition of overweight and obesity using International Obesity Task Force age-specific BMI criteria; assessment of physical activity levels.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of excess weight was 10.5% in boys and 16.4% in girls.
- A substantial increase in excess weight prevalence was observed from 1998 to 2002: 8.4% to 11.8% in boys and 11.9% to 18.4% in girls.
- Younger children showed a particularly marked increase; only 25% reported daily walking of at least 30 minutes, and leisure physical activity was inversely related to excess weight.
Conclusions:
- Excess body weight is prevalent and significantly increasing among school children in Seychelles.
- Urgent and robust public health policies and programs are needed to promote healthy nutrition and physical activity.
- Interventions should prioritize younger children and address low levels of daily physical activity.
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