Stable prevalence of overweight but increasing levels of obesity in adolescents in surveys of 42982 children in China 2010 to 2020

AIM: Excessive weight gain in childhood has been associated with poor health outcomes throughout life span and has a strong tracking effect in adulthood. This study aimed to investigate trends in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and severe obesity among Chinese children from 2010 to 2020. METHODS: A total of 42 982 Chinese children aged 2-18 years were included in the Chinese Family Panel Studies carried out every 2 years from 2010 to 2020. Height and mass were reported by them or by their guardians and body mass index was calculated. The prevalence was estimated according to the International Obesity Task Force cut-offs. RESULTS: There was no significant trend in the prevalence of overweight. The prevalence of obesity and severe obesity for the total population decreased from 8.3% and 3.7% in 2010 to 7.1% and 2.6% in 2020, respectively (p < 0.001). However, these decreases were attributed mostly to children aged 2-6 years and the prevalence increased among children aged 13-18 years. Male, rural residential area and younger age were risk factors for overweight and obesity. CONCLUSION: A decrease in the prevalence of excessive weight was a positive finding, but strategies that promote the health and well-being of priority populations were needed.