AIM: The purpose of this study is to monitor the prevalence trend in overweight and obesity among Copenhagen schoolchildren from the school years 2002 to 2007. METHODS: Copenhagen community health service doctors conducted routine examinations at school entry (ages 5-8 years) and exit (ages 14-16 years). Body mass index (kg/m²) of 33,245 schoolchildren was calculated. The prevalence of overweight (including obesity) and obesity was classified using the International Obesity Task Force definitions. RESULTS: From 2002 to 2007, although the prevalence of overweight (including obesity) in young girls decreased from 17.8 to 15.9%, the trend was non-significant. In young boys, the trend slightly decreased, and the prevalence fell from 14.0 to 11.6%. In adolescent girls, the prevalence varied considerably and increased from 22.7 to 25.4% without a discernable trend. In adolescent boys, the trend slightly increased, and the prevalence rose from 15.8 to 18.9%. There were no significant changes in the prevalence of obesity. CONCLUSION: In contrast to the preceding decades, we identified a potential stagnation in the obesity epidemic among children but a continuing increase among adolescents. It remains critical to continue monitoring and to increase preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
AIM: The purpose of this study is to monitor the prevalence trend in overweight and obesity among Copenhagen schoolchildren from the school years 2002 to 2007. METHODS: Copenhagen community health service doctors conducted routine examinations at school entry (ages 5-8 years) and exit (ages 14-16 years). Body mass index (kg/m²) of 33,245 schoolchildren was calculated. The prevalence of overweight (including obesity) and obesity was classified using the International Obesity Task Force definitions. RESULTS: From 2002 to 2007, although the prevalence of overweight (including obesity) in young girls decreased from 17.8 to 15.9%, the trend was non-significant. In young boys, the trend slightly decreased, and the prevalence fell from 14.0 to 11.6%. In adolescent girls, the prevalence varied considerably and increased from 22.7 to 25.4% without a discernable trend. In adolescent boys, the trend slightly increased, and the prevalence rose from 15.8 to 18.9%. There were no significant changes in the prevalence of obesity. CONCLUSION: In contrast to the preceding decades, we identified a potential stagnation in the obesity epidemic among children but a continuing increase among adolescents. It remains critical to continue monitoring and to increase preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Authors: J Aarestrup; L G Bjerregaard; M Gamborg; L Ängquist; A Tjønneland; K Overvad; A Linneberg; M Osler; E L Mortensen; F Gyntelberg; R Lund; T I A Sørensen; J L Baker Journal: Int J Obes (Lond) Date: 2016-05-11 Impact factor: 5.095
Authors: R P Laursen; L Lauritzen; C Ritz; C B Dyssegaard; A Astrup; K F Michaelsen; C T Damsgaard Journal: Eur J Clin Nutr Date: 2014-12-10 Impact factor: 4.016
Authors: C S Morgen; L Ängquist; J L Baker; A M N Andersen; K F Michaelsen; T I A Sørensen Journal: Int J Obes (Lond) Date: 2017-09-08 Impact factor: 5.095
Authors: Teresa A Ajslev; Lars Angquist; Karri Silventoinen; Michael Gamborg; David B Allison; Jennifer L Baker; Thorkild I A Sørensen Journal: Front Genet Date: 2012-07-18 Impact factor: 4.599