Journal of Obesity & Eating Disorders

Obesity, Overweight and Underweight among Children in South Iran: Prevalence, Trends (2011-2016-2021) and Associated Risk Factors from Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveys

Background and purpose: A study involving children of Bushehr (South Iran) demonstrates that as a result of a marginal decline in the prevalence of underweight between 2011 and 2021 12.2% to 11.78 %), alongside with a fundamental upsurge in the prevalence of overweight (11.6% Up to 18.91%) and an gradual increase in obesity which was 10.9% in 2011 to 15.80% in 2021. The outbreak of these three diseases in 2016 was very close. If these trends were maintained stable, it is very likely that at this time, the prevalence of childhood overweight has not already exceeded that of underweight based on the current examination. Even though, no study is available to confirm this hypothesis. Identifying these changes is related to planning and evaluating public policies. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, time course and factors associated with obesity and overweight as well as underweight in Bushehr children.

Methods: Independent cross-sectional household surveys were performed in 2011 (n=1000), 2015 (n=1136) and 2021 (n=772). Data were collected from possible samples of children aged 7-9 years. From 112 primary schools in the city, which included 41 girls 'schools and 71 boys' schools, students were selected in clusters based on gender, educational level and place of residence (city and village). Data were collected using a questionnaire.

Results: Between 2011, 2016 and 2021, the prevalence of underweight was 11.6%, 12.05% and 11.78% (decrease of 5%) and the prevalence of overweight was 11.6%, 16.02% and 18.91% (increase of 80%), respectively. Of the total subjects, there was also a significant relationship between body profile status and gender compared to the standard (P=./003). Overweight was more common in girls than boys and underweight was more common in boys than girls. (20.3% vs. 17.8% in 2011, and 19.3% vs. 18% in 2016, and 22.9% vs. 17% in 2021 respectively).

Conclusions: During the analyzed period, there was a marked increase in overweight prevalence. At the same time, an exponential increase was observed in the overweight prevalence. Currently, underweight is a problem of low magnitude, while overweight has become a worrying public health problem. Hence, this finding indicates that we are in the transition phase to overweight and obesity in children. Therefore, the implementation of intervention programs to prevent high-risk behaviors and overweight in children seems to be essential

Author(s): Seyedeh Sedigheh Hashemi* and Mohamad Reza Mozafarian

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