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[Meta-analysis of case-control studies on obesity risk factors in children aged 3-6 years in China]

Chao Li1, Ronghui Wang1, Lin Li2

  • 1College of Sport Human Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China.

Wei Sheng Yan Jiu = Journal of Hygiene Research
|September 1, 2022
PubMed

Insights

High birth weight, strong appetite, fast eating, maternal obesity, and physical inactivity are key risk factors for childhood obesity in Chinese preschoolers. Understanding these factors is crucial for prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern with significant long-term implications.
  • Identifying specific risk factors in early childhood is essential for developing targeted interventions.
  • Preschool-aged children in China represent a population requiring focused research on obesity determinants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically identify and analyze the risk factors associated with obesity in Chinese children aged 3-6 years.
  • To provide evidence-based insights for public health policies and clinical practices aimed at preventing childhood obesity.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library) for case-control studies.
  • Studies published in Chinese and English between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2021, focusing on preschooler obesity risk factors in China were included.
  • Meta-analysis using Stata 14.0 was performed on data from 12 studies involving 11,770 participants (4092 cases, 7678 controls), including bias and sensitivity analyses.

Main Results:

  • Significant risk factors for childhood obesity identified include: birth weight ≥ 4000 g (OR=2.176), strong appetite (OR=3.860), fast eating speed (OR=2.836), maternal overweight/obesity (OR=1.903), maternal low education level (OR=1.744), and physical inactivity (OR=1.488).
  • The meta-analysis revealed statistically significant associations between these factors and increased odds of obesity in preschool children.

Conclusions:

  • Birth weight, eating habits, maternal pre-pregnancy weight status, maternal education, and physical activity levels are significant risk factors for obesity in 3-6-year-old Chinese children.
  • These findings underscore the importance of considering both child-specific behaviors and maternal factors in obesity prevention programs.
  • Early identification and management of these risk factors are recommended to mitigate the prevalence of childhood obesity.
Abstract

Keywords:
Meta-analysiscase-control studyobesitypreschoolerrisk factor

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