Objectives We examined the prevalence of and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in China (1985–2010). Methods We used data from the 1985, 1991, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010 Chinese National Surveys on Students’ Constitution and Health (CNSSCH). The CNSSCH is a national survey of physical fitness and health status in Chinese students that uses multistage stratified sampling of 31 provinces and municipalities. A subject was considered obese or overweight if weight-for-height exceeded the 20% or 10% of standard weight-for-height. The standard weight-for-height was the 80th percentile for sex- and age-specific growth charts. Results The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity and of overweight and obesity combined was 8.1% (95% CI, 8.0–8.3%) and 19.2% (95% CI, 19.1–19.4%) among children and adolescents 7–18 years in age. Obesity was more likely to be present among children or adolescents who were male (RR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.90–1.97), urban (RR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.95–2.02), or 10–12 years (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.40–1.46). Trend analyses of the 25-year period revealed a significant increasing trend in males (RR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.58–1.60) and in females (RR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.48–1.50). The rate of increase in obese or overweight prevalence was highest in boys from rural areas (9% annual increase). Conclusions During 1985–2010, there was a significant and continuous increase in the prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents. Obesity is epidemic in China, but may be reduced with evidence-based interventions (e.g., school intervention programs).
Department of Child Health, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China;Department of Child Health, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China;Department of Child Health, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China;Department of Child Health, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China;Department of Child Health, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
Recommended Citation:
Hongpeng Sun,Yana Ma,Di Han,et al. Prevalence and Trends in Obesity among China’s Children and Adolescents, 1985–2010[J]. PLOS ONE,2014-01-01,9(8)