The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Polish school- aged children and adolescents

THE AIM: The aim was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Polish school-aged children and adolescents in a population-based, random sample.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 17 427 children and adolescents aged 7−18 years (8 327 boys) from a nationally representative random sample were examined from 2007 to 2009 in 416 schools in all regions of Poland. Height and weight were measured and body mass index was calculated. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was determined using three childhood obesity definitions: the Centers for Disease Control, the International Obesity Task Force, and the World Health Organization.

RESULTS: According to the definitions used, the prevalence of excess weight among children aged 7−12 years was in the range 21.7−30.4% and 18.4−23.2%, boys and girls, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents aged 13−18 years was in the range 14.6−19.4% and 10.3−13.0%, boys and girls, respectively, using international definitions of childhood overweight. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 7−12 years was in the range 5.5−13.1% and 3.6−6.4%, in boys and girls, respectively. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 13−18 years was in the range3.4−5.0% and 2.0−2.6%, boys and girls, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The estimates of overweight and obesity prevalence varied substantially by age group, gender and the definition used. Comparing to the European countries, Poland had medium to high level of childhood and youth overweight and obesity prevalence. High prevalence of overweight and obesity among Polish children and adolescents requires implementation of public health approach to the problem.