Prevalence and Correlates of Overweight, Obesity and Physical Activity in Italian Children and Adolescents from Lombardy, Italy.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Stival C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9182936 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Prevalence and Correlates of Overweight, Obesity and Physical Activity in Italian Children and Adolescents from Lombardy, Italy.
Stival Chiara C Lugo Alessandra A Barone Lavinia L Fattore Giovanni G Odone Anna A Salvatore Silvia S Santoro Eugenio E Scaglioni Silvia S van den Brandt Piet A PA Gallus Silvano S Hbsc Lombardy Committee OKKio Alla Salute Lombardy Committee
Nutrients 20220528 11
Investigating pediatric overweight and physical activity correlates is essential to design effective preventive programs. We used regional data (Lombardy, northern Italy) from the 2019 survey "OKKio alla Salute" (3093 children aged 8-9 years with measured anthropometric data), and from the 2018 wave of the "Health Behaviour in School-aged Children" survey (2916 adolescents aged 11-15 years with self-reported anthropometric data). In both the surveys, a cluster sampling methodology was used. Unco ...[more]
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Project description:BackgroundMeeting 24-h movement guidelines by children and adolescents has been associated with improved indicators of health, although it has been under-studied in China. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines, its correlates, and its relationships with body mass index in children and adolescents in China.MethodsCross-sectional data from the 2017 Youth Study in China of 114,072 children and adolescents (mean age = 13.75 years, 49.18% boys) were used. Meeting 24-h movement guidelines (≥60 min of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, ≤2 h of daily leisure screen time, 9-11 h and 8-10 h nightly sleep duration for 6-13-year-olds and 14-17-year-olds, respectively) and height and weight of all participants were assessed. The prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and World Health Organization weight status categories were determined. Generalized linear models were used to determine the correlates of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and the relationships of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines with overweight (OW) and obesity (OB).ResultsOnly 5.12% of Chinese children and adolescents met the 24-h movement guidelines, and 22.44% were classified as OW/OB. Older children and adolescents were less likely to meet the 24-h movement guidelines. Parental education level and family income were positively related to meeting the 24-h movement guidelines. Children and adolescents meeting the 24-h movement guidelines showed lower odds ratios for OW/OB. Compared with participants meeting the 24-h movement guidelines, boys in 4th-6th grades met none of the recommendations (OR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.06-1.40), met the screen time recommendation only (OR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.01-1.28), met the nightly sleep duration recommendation only (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.03-1.28), and had significantly higher odds ratios for OW/OB. Similar trends were observed for girls in 4th-6th grades: meeting none of the guidelines (OR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.14-1.59), meeting sleep duration guidelines only (OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.08-1.39), and meeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity + nightly sleep duration guidelines (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.01-1.54). For girls in 7th-9th grades, the following trend was observed: meeting none of the guidelines (OR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.01-1.67).ConclusionVery few Chinese children and adolescents met the 24-h movement guidelines. Age (negatively correlated), parental education level, and family income (both positively correlated) were correlates of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines. Children and adolescents meeting the 24-h movement guidelines were more likely to have lower risks for OW/OB, especially in the youngest age group (Grades 4-6); and girls in the middle age group (Grades 7-9) were also more likely to have lower risks for OW/OB. Further research studies should explore additional correlates and determinants for meeting the 24-h movement guidelines. Also, future studies should use longitudinal or interventional designs to determine the relationships between meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and OW/OB and other health indicators, while taking sex and age differences into account.
| S-EPMC8167320 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundPrevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in low- and middle-income countries is on the rise. We focused on multiple factors which could influence body mass index.MethodsA cross sectional school-based study was conducted in Moshi, Tanzania. Primary school children aged 9-11 years were recruited from 20 schools through a multistage sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to collect information on physical activity and diet by food frequency questionnaire. Height and weight measurements were taken and body mass index z scores for age and sex (BMIZ) calculated using the WHO AnthroPlus. Children were considered thin if BMIZ was <-2 standard deviations and overweight or obese if BMIZ was >1 SD. Information on school policies and environment was obtained from headteachers. Correlates of overweight and obesity were examined using a multinomial multilevel logistic regression.ResultsA total of 1170 primary school children, of whom 636 (54%) were girls, were recruited from 20 schools. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 15% overall (overweight 9% and obesity 6%) and most prevalent in urban areas (23%) and in private schools (24%). Moreover, thinness was found to be (10%) overall, most prevalent in rural areas (13%) and in government schools (14%). At school level, residing in urban (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] 3.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.49,5.68) and being in private school (aRRR 4.08; 95% CI 2.66,6.25) were associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity while availability of playgrounds in schools (aRRR 0.68; 95% CI 0.47, 0.97) was associated with a lower risk of overweight and obesity. At home level, availability of sugary drinks (aRRR 1.52; 95% CI 1.01,2.28) was associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity.ConclusionOverweight and obesity are common in private schools and in urban settings. Efforts should be taken to ensure availability of playgrounds in schools and encouraging children to engage in physical activities.
| S-EPMC8061999 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents and evaluate the associated factors in this group in Changchun City in northeastern China.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 1955 adolescents aged 11-18 years was conducted in Changchun City using stratified cluster sampling. Parents and caregivers of children completed the questionnaires as requested without objection. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics and anthropometric parameters. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyse the relationship between overweight/obesity and related factors.ResultsIn total, the prevalence of overweight was 12.7% (male 17.4%; female 10.1%) and of obesity was 4.9% (male 8.8%; female 3.1%) in Changchun, Jilin Province. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in boys than in girls (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that overweight and obesity were significantly associated with male sex (OR=1.91, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.47), eating fresh fruits more than 2 days per week (OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.84) and eating quickly (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.78). Students who were not picky (OR=0.69, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.90) were less likely to be overweight, and adolescents whose father was overweight or obese (OR=0.67, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.86) or whose mother was overweight or obese (OR=0.72, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.99) were less likely to be overweight.ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Changchun has been high in recent years, and the prevalence was higher among boys than among girls. Sex, dietary habits (weekly frequency of fruit consumption, picky eating and slowness in eating) and parental weight were important factors for overweight and obesity in adolescents. Further research should be conducted on the health of adolescents in China, and further intervention measures should be implemented to reduce the prevalence of overweight/obesity.
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Project description:Background and aimA fraction of children with obesity have increased serum cortisol levels. In this study, we describe the clinical characteristics of obese children and adolescents with elevated morning serum cortisol levels and the relationship between the cortisol levels and components of the metabolic syndrome.MethodsRetrospective medical record review study of children aged 4 to 18 years with overweight or obesity seen for obesity management in the Pediatric Obesity Clinic of the UZ Brussel between 2013 and 2015.ResultsA total of 234 children (99 boys and 135 girls) with overweight (BMI z-score > 1.3) without underlying endocrine or genetic conditions were included. Mean (SD) age was 10.1 (2.8) years, BMI SD-score 2.5 (0.6), and body fat percentage 37% (7.9). Serum fasting cortisol levels were elevated (>180 μg/L) in 49 children, normal (62-180 μg/L) in 168, and decreased (<62 μg/L) in 12. Serum fasting cortisol was not significantly correlated with gender, age, or degree of adiposity. But correlated significantly with fasting glucose (Rs = 0.193; p < 0.005), triglycerides (Rs = 0. 143; p < 0.05), fibrinogen (Rs = 0.144; p < 0.05) and leptin levels (Rs = 0.145; p < 0.05). After adjustment for serum insulin and leptin, the correlation between serum cortisol and fasting glucose remained significant.ConclusionElevated morning serum cortisol levels were found in 20% of overweight or obese children and adolescents, irrespective of the degree of adiposity, and were associated with higher fasting glucose, irrespective of underlying insulin resistance. The long-term cardiometabolic consequences of hypercortisolemia in childhood obesity needs further study.
| S-EPMC8528324 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PurposeThis present study aims to determine the rural-urban differences in physical fitness and overweight prevalence among children and adolescents from Central South China.MethodsAll the original parameters of physical fitness indicators for 216,718 participants aged from 7 to 15 years old were obtained from the website of the Chinese National Student Physical Fitness Database and were analyzed by SPSS.Results(1) Children and adolescents from rural areas were observed to have a more adverse physical fitness ratio, and the urban-rural differences were identified in each physical fitness indicator. (2) Rural areas had a higher overweight prevalence (p < 0.01). When compared to urban cities, overweight students from rural towns measured a significantly poorer cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in primary school (p < 0.05), while the result in middle school was showed the opposite. (3) Rural-urban residence and sex were the moderately correlated factors for muscular fitness among overweight students.ConclusionsUrban children and adolescents in central south China had an overall healthier profile than their rural peers, particularly in overweight groups. The government and related functional departments should take the factors of rural-urban residence and sex of students into consideration when building a state strategy and interventions to promote physical activity and health.
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Project description:ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in a cohort of asthmatic children before and after starting drug therapy.MethodsData were retrieved from administrative databases of the Lombardy Region. The study population was composed of 78 184 children born in the Lombardy Region in 2002 and followed until their 10th birthday.Children with at least one antiasthmatic drug prescription per year (with the exclusion of nebulised suspension/solution formulations) in 2 consecutive years and at least one antiasthmatic drug prescription after the fifth birthday were identified as potential asthmatics (PA).Each PA was monitored for a period starting from 12 months before and ending 24 months after the first prescription (index prescription, IP). During the monitoring period antiasthmatic drug prescriptions were analysed, as well as spirometry and/or specialist visits.ResultsA total of 59 975 children (76.7%) received ≥1 prescription of antiasthmatic drugs in their first 10 years of life, and 4475 (5.7%) were identified as PAs. In all, 24% of PAs started with short-acting β2-agonists (SABA), 23% with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and 20% with SABA+ICS.A total of 33% of PAs had at least one prescription for specialist visit/spirometry: 11% before and 28% after the IP. The factors associated with a greater likelihood of receiving visit/spirometry prescriptions were local health unit of residence, age and high use of asthma drugs.ConclusionsDespite international guideline recommendations, spirometry monitoring is still underused in asthmatic children, even in subjects who initiated pharmacological treatment and therefore need an airway function evaluation. Moreover, the choice of drug therapy appears not always rational, since one out of four children were commenced on ICS as monotherapy.
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Project description:BackgroundChildhood obesity poses a significant public health challenge, yet effective school-based physical activity (PA) interventions remain scarce, especially in Pakistan. There is a lack of data assessing the impact of such interventions on obesity and related health outcomes in Pakistani school children.MethodsThis study aimed to design and implement a school-based intervention targeting multiple levels of the socio-ecological model to increase physical activity and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Pakistani youth. Conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 in Lahore, Pakistan, the 12-week, non-randomized controlled trial involved 1,200 students from eight schools, with four schools (n = 570) in the intervention group and four (n = 630) in the control group. Primary outcomes included changes in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity, measured through anthropometric assessments. Secondary outcomes involved alterations in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity duration. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, general linear mixed models, and repeated measures ANOVA were used for analysis.ResultsThe intervention showed significant improvements across various socio-ecological levels. Intrapersonal factors saw a reduction in fast food consumption from 11.9% to 7.9% (F(1,1198) = 90.39, p < 0.001; η² = 0.074) and an increase in physical activity frequency from 11.9% to 39.6% (F(1,1198) = 465.25, p < 0.001; η² = 0.028). Screen time decreased from 27.0% to 7.4% (F(1,1198) = 219.83, p = 0.015; η² = 0.15), and normal sleep duration increased from 44.6% to 71.8% (F(1,1198) = 242.73, p < 0.001; η² = 0.16). At the interpersonal level, parental involvement in encouraging sports and providing financial support for sports activities significantly increased. School-level factors also showed positive changes, including improved sports facilities and equipment access. Community-level factors revealed increased opportunities for physical activity and a more supportive community environment. The intervention group's BMI change (-0.06 ± 0.07 kg·m²) significantly differed from the control group's (0.19 ± 0.09 kg·m²).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-level intervention in boosting physical activity and addressing obesity among Pakistani school-aged children, supporting the implementation of similar school-based interventions.
| S-EPMC11849862 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is recognized as the most common, and most studied, developmental age disorder. Basic information, such as the most appropriate case definition and the best way to evaluate the disorder's prevalence rate, however, remains an open issue. METHODS:A comprehensive meta-analysis on the epidemiology of ADHD in Italy, which was lacking from the literature, was therefore performed to attempt to estimate the actual prevalence rate of ADHD, highlighting conceptual and quantitative differences between clinical-diagnosis and survey-based symptoms studies. The Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO databases, and the grey literature, were searched up to January 2018. The review was laid out in three main sections: an overall prevalence estimate, an epidemiological profile of ADHD symptoms, and an attempt to define the actual rate of ADHD diagnosis, as emerged from Italian studies. RESULTS:A total of 15 unique studies were included. These contributed to estimating the prevalence of ADHD in 67,838 subjects aged 5-17, representing 9 of the 20 regions (45%) of Italy. Overall, the pooled prevalence of ADHD was 2.9% (range: 1.1-16.7%). When distinguishing studies based on case definition, however, we found an average prevalence estimate, based on symptoms criteria, of 5.9% (range: 1.4 to 16.7%) and a best-estimate prevalence rate of 1.4% (range: 1.1 to 3.1%). CONCLUSIONS:Following the case definition for epidemiological studies of ADHD, counting only subjects with an ADHD diagnosis performed and confirmed by clinical assessment would reduce the wide variability in prevalence estimates, and, above all, would both describe the real rate of subjects suffering from ADHD disorder and avoid misdiagnosis.
| S-EPMC6126024 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundAfter the worldwide steep increase in child and adolescent overweight and obesity during the last decades, there is now evidence of a levelling off in the prevalence in many countries in the Western world.AimTo examine whether there still is a plateau in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Danish children and adolescents, or whether the prevalence is decreasing or rising again.MethodsTHE TRENDS IN THE PREVALENCE RATES WERE BASED ON THREE DATA SETS PROVIDING COMPARABLE REPEATED ESTIMATES: 1) the Danish Health Visitors Child Health Database (DHVCHD) with measurements on infant and childhood height and weight from 2002 to 2011 (n up to 39,984), 2) the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) with maternal reports of measured infant and childhood height and weight from 1998 to 2010 (n up to 56,826) and 3) the Danish part of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey (HBSC) with self-reported information on adolescent height and weight from the years 2002 to 2010 (n = 16,557). Overweight and obesity were categorized according to WHO growth standards. Trends were assessed by repeated point estimates and linear regression analyses providing regression coefficients for changes in per cent per year with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThe prevalence rates of overweight and obesity for infants, children and adolescents showed a mixed pattern of decline, stability and increase (ranging from -1.10 through 0.29 per cent per year with CI's from -3.10 through 2.37). Overall, there were no consistent statistically significant trends upwards or downwards, although some significant downward trends in childhood and adolescence were observed.ConclusionThis study, based on data from 1998 through 2011, showed that the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity among Danish infants, children and adolescents were largely still on a plateau with tendencies for a decline among children and adolescents.
| S-EPMC3722196 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background and aims: Youth populations with overweight/obesity (OW/OB) exhibit heterogeneity in cardiometabolic health phenotypes (e.g. fasting glucose, serum triglycerides, etc.). The underling mechanisms for those differences are still unclear. This study aimed to analyze the whole blood transcriptome profile (RNA-seq) of children with metabolic healthy overweight/obesity (MHO) and metabolic unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUO) phenotypes. Methods: 27 children with OW/OB (10.14 ± 1.3 years, 59% boys) from the ActiveBrains project were included. MHO was defined as having none of the following criteria for metabolic syndrome: elevated fasting glucose, high serum triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high systolic or diastolic blood pressure, while MUO was defined as presenting one or more of these criteria. Inflammatory markers interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) were additionally determined. Total-blood RNA was analyzed by 5’-end RNA sequencing. Two different bioinformatics approaches were performed: 1) Differential gene expression analyses using Limma R/Bioconductor software package (analyses adjusted by sex and maturational status) and 2) weighted gene coexpression network analyses (WGCNA). Results: Children with MHO had lower values of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 compared to MUO (p < 0.05). 40 genes were differentially expressed (FDR < 0.05) in children with MHO compared to MUO. WGCNA analysis identified 23 gene coexpression modules (i.e. clusters of genes) with low preservation (Zsummary < 2) in children with MHO compared to MUO. Differential and WGCNA gene expression patterns identified 32 genes linked to metabolism, mitochondrial and immune functions. Conclusions: Whole blood transcriptome analysis revealed a distinct pattern of gene expression in children with MHO compared to MUO children. The identified gene expression patterns related to metabolism, mitochondrial and immune functions can promote a better understanding of cardiovascular disease prognosis in individuals with MHO.
2020-11-05 | GSE146869 | GEO