Changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in East Asia: Insights from NCD-RisC data.

Pediatric obesity is a serious global health challenge. In East Asia, rapid socioeconomic changes have increased obesity rates. This study examines weight distribution and obesity trends in East Asian children using WHO criteria. Data from the Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration was u...

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Main Authors: Yong Hee Hong, Sujin Park, Minsoo Shin, Sochung Chung, Jahye Jung, Ah-Ram Sul, Yoon Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2024-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310646
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author Yong Hee Hong
Sujin Park
Minsoo Shin
Sochung Chung
Jahye Jung
Ah-Ram Sul
Yoon Lee
author_facet Yong Hee Hong
Sujin Park
Minsoo Shin
Sochung Chung
Jahye Jung
Ah-Ram Sul
Yoon Lee
author_sort Yong Hee Hong
collection DOAJ
description Pediatric obesity is a serious global health challenge. In East Asia, rapid socioeconomic changes have increased obesity rates. This study examines weight distribution and obesity trends in East Asian children using WHO criteria. Data from the Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration was used to analyze weight categories (thinness, normal weight, overweight, and obesity) among children aged 5 to 19 in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Data were collected through probabilistic sampling and national surveys and classified using WHO BMI standards. Age standardized prevalence rate enabled cross-country comparisons for boys and girls from 2010 to 2022. Statistical methods included arithmetic statistics, linear regression, and time series analysis using the ARIMA model, with SAS 9.4 and SPSS for analysis. Significant trends were found (p for trend < 0.05). Taiwan and South Korea showed increased thinness, while China and Japan showed decreases. Normal weight prevalence declined, notably among South Korean boys. Overweight and obesity rates rose, especially among South Korean boys and Chinese girls. Japan's rates remained stable, while Taiwan showed minor fluctuations. Boys had higher overweight and obesity rates than girls in all countries. The highest rates were among children aged 10 to 11 years. East Asia, particularly South Korea and China, has seen rising obesity rates. Increasing thinness in South Korea and Taiwan also requires attention. The decline in healthy-weight children is concerning. Interventions should target children before ages 10 to 11. Urgent, tailored public health interventions are needed.
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spelling doaj-art-782e94a37f3a4c029d0aa615fb35e5fe2024-11-19T05:31:38ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032024-01-011911e031064610.1371/journal.pone.0310646Changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in East Asia: Insights from NCD-RisC data.Yong Hee HongSujin ParkMinsoo ShinSochung ChungJahye JungAh-Ram SulYoon LeePediatric obesity is a serious global health challenge. In East Asia, rapid socioeconomic changes have increased obesity rates. This study examines weight distribution and obesity trends in East Asian children using WHO criteria. Data from the Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration was used to analyze weight categories (thinness, normal weight, overweight, and obesity) among children aged 5 to 19 in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Data were collected through probabilistic sampling and national surveys and classified using WHO BMI standards. Age standardized prevalence rate enabled cross-country comparisons for boys and girls from 2010 to 2022. Statistical methods included arithmetic statistics, linear regression, and time series analysis using the ARIMA model, with SAS 9.4 and SPSS for analysis. Significant trends were found (p for trend < 0.05). Taiwan and South Korea showed increased thinness, while China and Japan showed decreases. Normal weight prevalence declined, notably among South Korean boys. Overweight and obesity rates rose, especially among South Korean boys and Chinese girls. Japan's rates remained stable, while Taiwan showed minor fluctuations. Boys had higher overweight and obesity rates than girls in all countries. The highest rates were among children aged 10 to 11 years. East Asia, particularly South Korea and China, has seen rising obesity rates. Increasing thinness in South Korea and Taiwan also requires attention. The decline in healthy-weight children is concerning. Interventions should target children before ages 10 to 11. Urgent, tailored public health interventions are needed.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310646
spellingShingle Yong Hee Hong
Sujin Park
Minsoo Shin
Sochung Chung
Jahye Jung
Ah-Ram Sul
Yoon Lee
Changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in East Asia: Insights from NCD-RisC data.
PLoS ONE
title Changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in East Asia: Insights from NCD-RisC data.
title_full Changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in East Asia: Insights from NCD-RisC data.
title_fullStr Changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in East Asia: Insights from NCD-RisC data.
title_full_unstemmed Changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in East Asia: Insights from NCD-RisC data.
title_short Changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in East Asia: Insights from NCD-RisC data.
title_sort changes in weight distribution and trends in obesity among children and adolescents in east asia insights from ncd risc data
url https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310646
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