Trends in overweight and obesity prevalence in Tuscan schoolchildren (2002–2012)

Bibliographic Data

ID15090320
AuthorsGiacomo Lazzeri (0000-0002-9095-7652, University of Siena, corresponding author), Donatella Panatto (0000-0002-2677-0551, University of Genoa), Andrea Pammolli (University of Siena), Elena Azzolini (0000-0003-1257-8929, University of Siena), Rita Simi (University of Siena), Veronica Meoni (Public Health Department), Mariano Vincenzo Giacchi (University of Siena), Daniela Amicizia (0000-0002-9707-5214, University of Genoa), Roberto Gasparini (0000-0002-1012-6913, University of Genoa)
Year2015
Volume18
Issue17
Pages3078-3085
Publication date2015-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePublic Health Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1368-9800 • E-ISSN: 1475-2727
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1368980015001676
PMID26021189
OpenAlexW2164390282
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited34

Objective The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and time trends in childhood overweight including obesity and obesity among Tuscan children from 2002 to 2012. Design Cross-sectional study at five time points (Tuscan Nutritional Surveillance Surveys conducted in the years of 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012). Trained personnel directly measured the height and weight of the subjects. BMI was assessed by means of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and WHO cut-offs. Setting Representative sample of children in the Tuscany region (Italy). Subjects Children ( n 7183) aged between 7·5 and 9·5 years (3711 boys and 3472 girls). Results With respect to the estimation of the absolute prevalence level of childhood overweight, a discrepancy was observed between the two criteria. In all surveys, more boys than girls were overweight (including obesity). Trend analysis showed a significant decrease in the prevalence of overweight including obesity and obesity in Tuscan children from 2002 to 2012 (32·0 % v . 25·8 %, P v . 34·3 %, P v . 6·7 %, P v . 11·3 %, P =0·035 on using WHO criteria for obesity). Conclusions The present study is the first report from an Italian region showing a significant decrease in childhood obesity and overweight in the last 10 years. This reduction is probably a result of regional and local actions that have taken place in many sectors of society. However, efforts should be made to lower the prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight further

Childhood obesity · Environmental health · Obesity · Overweight · Birth, Development, and Health · Demography · Human Health and Disease · Medicine · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Internal Medicine · Pediatrics

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