Obesity among schoolchildren of different socioeconomic levels in a developing country

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H Arteaga, J E Dos Santos, J E Dutra de Oliveira

    International Journal of Obesity
    |January 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Obesity in children is a growing concern, with a 16.7% prevalence found in this Brazilian study. Unlike developed nations, childhood obesity in Ribeirão Preto correlated positively with higher socioeconomic levels.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Public Health
    • Nutritional Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Obesity is a global health issue linked to increased morbidity and mortality.
    • Rising obesity prevalence is observed worldwide.
    • In developed countries, obesity is often associated with lower socioeconomic status.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the prevalence of obesity in children aged 84 to 143 months.
    • To investigate the relationship between socioeconomic level and childhood obesity in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.

    Main Methods:

    • A cross-sectional study involving 300 children from three socioeconomic strata.
    • Measurements included weight, height, arm circumference, and triceps skinfold.
    • Data analysis to determine obesity and malnutrition prevalence across socioeconomic groups.

    Main Results:

    • The overall prevalence of obesity was 16.7%.
    • Obesity prevalence was highest in the high socioeconomic group (38%), followed by middle (12%) and low (4%).
    • Malnutrition prevalence was 8.3%.

    Conclusions:

    • Childhood obesity prevalence in Ribeirão Preto is comparable to developed countries.
    • A significant positive correlation exists between socioeconomic level and childhood obesity in this Brazilian population, contrasting with findings in developed nations.

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