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Overweight Is Associated With Medium-Term Obesity Development in School-Age Children: A Mixed Longitudinal Study

  • 0Research Group in Physiology and Physical Activity, University Pitágoras UNOPAR Anhanguera, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
American Journal of Human Biology : the Official Journal of the Human Biology Council +

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November 30, 2025

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November 30, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Overweight school-age children are at significantly higher risk of developing obesity within two years. Early intervention is crucial for preventing childhood obesity and its long-term health consequences.

Area Of Science

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Childhood Obesity Research
  • Growth Monitoring

Background

  • Childhood overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns.
  • Understanding the progression of nutritional status in children is vital for developing effective interventions.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the dynamic changes in nutritional status among school-age children over a 7-year period.
  • To identify risk factors associated with the development of obesity in children aged 6-11 years.

Main Methods

  • A mixed longitudinal design with five cohorts and a 2-year follow-up was employed.
  • 101 children aged 6-11 years had anthropometric measurements taken to determine Body Mass Index (BMI) and nutritional status.
  • Nutritional status was categorized using established age- and sex-specific cutoff points.

Main Results

  • Prevalence rates were 22% for overweight, 10% for obesity, and 5% for underweight.
  • Children identified as overweight at baseline had a significantly higher likelihood (4.7 times) of developing obesity within two years.
  • A significant association was found between initial overweight status and subsequent obesity development (χ² = 5.325, p = 0.021).

Conclusions

  • Overweight status in school-age children is a strong predictor of medium-term obesity development.
  • Findings highlight the critical need for early intervention and targeted preventive strategies.
  • Addressing childhood overweight is essential to mitigate the growing public health issue of obesity.

Keywords:

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