Stigning i overvaegt og fedme blandt köbenhavnske skolebörn i perioden 1947-2003
Engelsk titel: Increase in overweight and obesity amongst Copenhagen schoolchildren, 1947-2003
Läs online
Författare:
Pearson S
;
Olsen LW
;
Hansen B
;
Sörensen TI
Email: seija.pearson@faf.kk.dk
Språk: Dan
Antal referenser: 21
Dokumenttyp:
Artikel
UI-nummer: 05011853
Sammanfattning
Introduction: In 1998, a World Health Organization report drew attention to the global epidemic of obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst schoolchildren in Copenhagen. Materials and methods: We analyzed data obtained from school health records in the municipal health service of Copenhagen. The height and weight of all children had been measured both when they started school and when they left. We then calculated the body mass index (BMI) for each child. The prevalence of overweight and obesity, defined by an international standard, was recorded for 1947, 1961, 1975, 1989 and 2003. Results: In 2003, the prevalence of overweight was 21% for 6- to 8-year-old girls, 21% for 14- to 16-year-old girls, 15% for 6- to 8-year-old boys and 14% for 14- to 16-year-old boys. The prevalence of obesity was 4% for 6- to 8-year-old girls, 4% for 14- to 16-year-old girls, 5% for 6- to 8-year-old boys and 3% for 14- to 16-year-old boys. Since 1947, overweight amongst 6- to 8-year-old girls has increased by a factor of 8 and obesity by a factor of 20. Amongst 14- to 16-year-old girls, overweight has increased by a factor of 2 and obesity by a factor of 6. Amongst 6- to 8-year-old boys, overweight has increased by a factor of 11 and obesity by a factor of 115. For 14- to 16-year-old boys, overweight has increased by a factor of 13 and obesity by a factor of 39. The rate of increase accelerated after 1975. Discussion: The increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity is very worrying due to its serious consequences for public health. We have a national plan of action - let us use it.