1. Trend analysis, gender-specific patterns, and age dynamics of childhood and adolescent obesity: insights from the Tehran lipid and glucose study
- Author
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Behnaz Abiri, Amirhossein Ramezani Ahmadi, Ali Valizadeh, Mojtaba Akbari, Farhad Hosseinpanah, Mohammad Nikoohemmat, Majid Valizadeh, and Mohammadreza Vafa
- Subjects
Childhood obesity ,Tehran lipid and glucose study ,Longitudinal study ,Prevalence ,Trends ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background Childhood and adolescent obesity pose significant challenges to global health, with escalating prevalence and associated short- and long-term health consequences. This longitudinal study leveraged data from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) to investigate the trends of obesity among Tehranian children and adolescents over a 21-year period. Methods Utilizing data from TLGS phases I to VII (1999–2021), we included 3845 participants aged 3–18 years at the beginning of phase I. Anthropometric measures, including height and weight, were collected, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Childhood obesity (2–19 years) was defined as BMI-for-age > 2SD based on World Health Organization (WHO) standards, and adult obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30. Descriptive statistics, trend analysis, prevalence calculations, odds ratios, and interaction analyses were employed for data interpretation. Results The mean BMI increased from 18.46 ± 4.37 kg/m² at Phase I to 26.36 ± 5.03 kg/m² at Phase VII. Boys exhibited a greater increase in BMI than girls, and age at study entry influenced BMI trajectories. The prevalence of obesity rose from 6.4% at Phase I to 21.5% at Phase VII, with a more pronounced increase in boys. Odds ratios for obesity steadily increased across phases, indicating a growing risk. Interaction analyses revealed age-specific dynamics, with older participants demonstrating lower odds ratios initially but higher odds ratios in later phases. Conclusion Our study shows a worrisome increase in childhood obesity among Tehranian children and adolescents over 21 years. Sex- and age-specific trends emphasize the necessity for targeted interventions, informing policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and educators regarding public health strategies and interventions against the obesity epidemic.
- Published
- 2024
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