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Prevalence of overweight, obesity and morbid obesity in children based on social class group in second National Children's Food Survey 2019 as defined by the International Obesity Taskforce cut-offs. Social class groups based on the Irish Census. The difference in overweight, obesity and morbidity prevalence across social class groups was assessed by χ 2 test with a statistically significant difference found between groups at P < 0·05. , Overweight; , obese; , morbidly obese
Source publication
Objective
The present study aimed to examine the temporal prevalence of overweight and obesity in Irish children through different methodologies and evaluate the change in rates between 1990 and 2019.
Design
Anthropometric data from three Irish national food consumption surveys were used to examine the change in the prevalence of BMI and waist cir...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... respect to morbid obesity, a higher level was observed in 2019 in comparison with 1990 (1·2 v. 0·7 %), with a marginal difference observed between 2005 and 2019 (1·5 v. 1·2 %). Figure 1 illustrates the proportion of Irish children who had overweight or obesity based on their social class group in 2019. A significant difference in overweight/obesity levels based on social class group was apparent (P = 0·02). ...
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Citations
... Overweight and obesity is a chronic non-communicable disease and is associated with a range of acute and long-lasting health issues in adolescents (139,140) . Obesity is increasingly identified as disproportionately affecting adolescents, with the recent plateauing of childhood obesity levels A. Moore Heslin and B. McNulty 6 observed in affluent countries (141) , including Ireland (142) , not reflected in trends in the weight status of adolescents (117) . A rapidly increasing prevalence of adolescents living with obesity has become apparent in recent years, with one in four adolescents in Europe identified as living with overweight/obesity in 2022 (143) . ...
Adolescence is a pivotal, yet frequently overlooked, period of life, with this age group often no longer receiving the focus, care and protection devoted to other life stages. Nutritional vulnerability increases in adolescence due to heightened nutritional requirements, yet the quality of the diets consumed by this age group often deteriorates significantly. Poor-quality dietary patterns and insufficient nutrient intakes are frequently observed amongst adolescents both in Ireland and globally. This deterioration in diet quality is greatly influenced by individual, social and environmental determinants of behaviour and health. The influences of each of these factors change and increase as adolescents begin to interact independently with the surrounding world. Poor nutrition during adolescence can result in several immediate and long-term health consequences, including micronutrient deficiencies, increased risk of overweight/obesity and increased presentation of cardiometabolic risk factors, all of which have been observed as persistent issues amongst adolescents in Ireland and internationally. Adolescence is a critical period of intervention to protect youth both now and into their future lives. This age group can be particularly receptive to the influence of society and the surrounding environment, posing several avenues in which to influence adolescents towards more health-promoting behaviour. This review aims to summarise the key nutritional and dietary characteristics of adolescents, to provide an overview of the causes and consequences of poor nutrition in adolescence, and to highlight potential opportunities for intervention to protect the health of this age group, with a particular focus on evidence from an Irish context.
... Examination of other health determinant parameters among this population group highlight other challenges which need to be addressed for optimal lifestyle patterns for good health in children in Ireland. While the prevalence of overweight and obesity has plateaued since the previous NCFS rates remain high (16%) (82) and while a high proportion of this population group are meeting physical activity recommendations (69%) there is still a need to reduce time spent in sedentary behaviours (83) . Furthermore, while over 78% of parents felt their child's diet could be healthier they highlighted a number of barriers to implementing this including convenience and food advertising (83) . ...
The childhood years represent a period of increased nutrient requirements during which a balanced diet is important to ensure optimal growth and development. The aim of this study was to examine food and nutrient intakes and compliance with recommendations in school-aged children in Ireland and to examine changes over time. Analyses were based on two National Children’s Food Surveys; NCFS (2003-04) ( n 594) and NCFS II (2017-18) ( n 600) which estimated food and nutrient intakes in nationally representative samples of children (5-12y) using weighed food records (NCFS: 7-d; NCFS II: 4-d). This study found that nutrient intakes among school-aged children in Ireland are generally in compliance with recommendations; however this population group have higher intakes of saturated fat, free sugars and salt, and lower intakes of dietary fibre than recommended. Furthermore, significant proportions have inadequate intakes of vitamin D, calcium, iron and folate. Some of the key dietary changes that have occurred since the NCFS (2003-04) include decreased intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juice, milk and potatoes, and increased intakes of wholemeal/brown bread, high fibre ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, porridge, pasta and whole fruit. Future strategies to address the nutrient gaps identified among this population group could include the continued promotion of healthy food choices (including education around ‘healthy’ lifestyles and food marketing restrictions); improvements of the food supply through reformulation (fat, sugar, salt, dietary fibre); food fortification for micronutrients of concern (voluntary or mandatory) and/or nutritional supplement recommendations (for nutrients unlikely to be sufficient from food intake alone).
... 6 In Ireland, studies show that the mean body mass index (BMI) of children has been increasing since 1948 7,8 with inconsistent trends reported since the millennium. [9][10][11][12] In 1990, 10% of 8-to 12-year-old children were classified with overweight and 2% with obesity (IOTF-R), 8 which increased to 17%-21% for overweight and 7%-9% for obesity (IOTF-R) among 4-to 13-year-olds in 2002-2012. 9 However, various Irish studies indicate that a plateau has been reached or the prevalence of childhood OWOB in this age group possibly decreased. ...
... 9 However, various Irish studies indicate that a plateau has been reached or the prevalence of childhood OWOB in this age group possibly decreased. [9][10][11][12] Less is known in Ireland about the OWOB prevalence from birth until 4 years, which has only been studied based on a small sample (n = 371) from a cross-sectional survey, 13 in the sub-sample of a regional prospective cohort study (n = 1189) 14 and in the infant cohort of the national Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) study (n = 11 134), 15,16 all conducted between 2008 and 2013. The GUI study in particular appears useful to fill this knowledge gap as it holds a large number of standardized, longitudinal data and is representative of young children in Ireland. ...
Background
Various child growth criteria exist for monitoring overweight and obesity prevalence in young children.
Objectives
To estimate early overweight and obesity prevalence in Ireland and compare the differences in prevalence across ages, growth criteria and sexes.
Methods
Longitudinal body mass index data from the nationally representative Growing Up in Ireland infant cohort (n = 11 134) were categorized (‘under‐/normal weight’, ‘risk of overweight’, ‘overweight’, ‘obesity’) using the sex‐ and age‐specific International Obesity Task Force growth reference, World Health Organization growth standard and World Health Organization growth reference criteria. Differences in prevalences between criteria and sexes, and changes in each weight category and criterion across ages (9 months, 3 years, 5 years), were investigated.
Results
Across criteria, 11%–40% of children had overweight or obesity at 9 months, 14%–46% at 3 years and 8%–32% at 5 years of age. Prevalence estimates were highest using the World Health Organization growth reference, followed by International Obesity Task Force estimates. Within each criterion, prevalence decreased significantly over time (p < 0.05). However, when combining both World Health Organization criteria, as recommended for population studies, prevalence increased, due to differences in definitions between them. Significantly more boys than girls had overweight/obesity using either World Health Organization criterion, which was reversed using the International Obesity Task Force growth reference.
Conclusions
To increase transparency and comparability, studies of childhood obesity need to consider differences in prevalence estimates across growth criteria. Effective prevention, intervention and policy‐making are needed to control Ireland's high overweight and obesity prevalence.
... In little more than a generation, obesity among children in Ireland has increased 10-fold to affect around 9% of children in 2016 (2). 2018 trends suggest that the prevalence of childhood obesity in Ireland was plateauing (35) however, the prevalence for children living in disadvantage continued to rise. In turn, the leveling off of obesity prevalence previously seen at the population may be reversed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child health and growth. ...
Introduction
Childhood obesity is a chronic disease that requires multidisciplinary and specialist intervention to address its complex pathophysiology, though access to treatment is limited globally. Evaluating the impact of evidence-based interventions implemented in real-world clinical settings is essential, in order to increase the translation of research into practice and enhance child health outcomes. In Ireland, the National Model of Care for Obesity highlighted the need to develop and improve healthcare services for children and adolescents with obesity.
Aims
This study aims to evaluate the impact of a family-based, Tier 3 multi-disciplinary child and adolescent obesity outpatient service (www.w82go.ie) on standardized body mass index (BMI-SDS).
Methods
Following referral by pediatricians, patients were assessed by a pediatric multidisciplinary team (physiotherapist, dietician, and psychologist) and personalized obesity treatment plans were developed. Anthropometric and demographic information were recorded at baseline and final visit. Descriptive statistics were used to explore distribution, central tendency and variation in the demographic data, change in BMI-SDS over time was assessed using a t-test, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the association of demographic factors on the change in BMI-SDS.
Results
The overall mean BMI-SDS reduction across the whole cohort (n = 692) was −0.17 (95% CI = −0.20, −0.13; P < 0.001). Younger age at admission and longer duration of treatment were associated with greater BMI-SDS reduction but there was no significant association between change in BMI-SDS and any of the other parameters (deprivation score, treatment type, sex, obesity category at admission or presence of comorbid condition).
Conclusion
Engagement in a specialist Tier 3 pediatric obesity service was associated with reductions in BMI-SDS in children and adolescents with obesity.
... 7 Further detail on participant recruitment, ethical approval and response rate have been previously published. 8 A total of 596 and 594 children had body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat (%BF) measurements available respectively and were included in these analyses. ...
Background
Investigations into the main drivers of childhood obesity are vital to implement effective interventions to halt the global rise in levels. The use of a composite score may help to identify children most at risk of overweight/obesity.
Objectives
To investigate the cumulative impact of factors associated with overweight/obesity risk in children.
Methods
Data were analysed from the Irish National Children's Food Survey II which included 600 children, aged 5–12‐years. The risk factors examined included social class, parental, early life, lifestyle, and dietary components. A composite score was calculated which ranged from 0 (no risk factors for overweight/obesity) to 4 (4 risk factors for overweight/obesity).
Results
In model 1 (%BF) the four factors associated with overweight/obesity risk were having a parent with overweight/obesity (odds ratio 3.1; 95% confidence interval 1.9–4.8), having a high birth weight of ≥4 kg (2.5; 1.6–3.9), being from a low social class (2.3; 1.4–3.8) and low physical activity (1.9; 1.2–2.8). Children who scored 3–4 points on the composite score had a 10‐fold (10.0; 4.2–23.9) increased risk of overweight/obesity compared to those with 0 points, a sevenfold (7.2; 3.9–13.5) increased risk compared to those with 1 point and a threefold (2.6; 1.4–4.8) increased risk compared to those with 2 points, with similar results observed in model 2 (BMI).
Conclusion
The use of a composite score is a beneficial means of identifying children at risk of overweight/obesity and may prove useful in the development of effective interventions to tackle childhood obesity.
... At age 10-11 (School Year 6), 21.0% are obese and 14.1% overweight (UK Parliament, 2021). Similarly, in Ireland, 13% of children meet the National PA guidelines of at least 60 min of moderate to vigorous PA every day (17% primary school pupils and 10% post primary school pupils; Woods et al., 2018), and 16% of children were classified as overweight and obese (O'Donnell et al., 2020). Consequently, the promotion of PA and efforts to reduce overweight and obesity in children remain key public health priorities in both the United Kingdom and Ireland. ...
The United Kingdom and Ireland have a well-established research base in motor competence (MC) research, ranging from reporting and monitoring levels of MC, developing assessment tools for MC, providing innovative curriculum and intervention design to support learning and development, as well as providing advocacy for particular groups, such as those with motor impairments. This expert statement, on behalf of the International Motor Development Research Consortium, draws together what is currently known about levels of MC in the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as current approaches to intervention in both countries. Subsequently presented are recommendations for researchers and practitioners to advance the field of MC for the benefit of children and youth in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and worldwide.
... In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced the clinical use of the body mass index (BMI; in kg/m 2 ) by sex-and age-specific growth charts for children and adolescents [10]. It is widely employed to screen children from two years of age onwards to identify those at risk for morbidity related to excess body fat [7,[11][12][13][14][15]. Several medical societies have provided evidence-based guidelines for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic CVD beginning in childhood [16][17][18] and have defined CMRF specific to the age of children [19][20][21][22]. ...
(1) Background: This study aimed to examine the distribution of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) in school-aged children with excess body weight (overweight and obese) in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates and identify the factors associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors between boys and girls. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional survey of children aged 6–17 years was conducted in Al Ain from 1 August 2019 to 31 December 2020. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between excess body weight and CMRF between the groups and reported odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). (3) Results: A total of 966 school-aged children (490 boys and 476 girls) participated in the study, and the mean age of the children was 11.8 ± 2.9 years. The proportions of overweight and obesity were 13.5% and 10.2% in boys and 11.1% and 10.3% in girls. Higher glucose of ≥100 mg/dl (26.4%), triglycerides of ≥150 mg/dl and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: ≥130 mg/dl (23.2%) were more prevalent in children with excess body weight. These children were at least two times more likely to have higher triglycerides levels, high total cholesterol (≥200 mg/dl) in girls (OR:2.06, 95% CI: 1.01–4.21) and low high-density lipoprotein (<35 mg/dl) in boys (OR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.12–4.31). (4) Conclusion: Excess body weight in school-aged children was associated with increased CMRF, particularly triglycerides.
... Italy, Hungary, Sweden, Portugal and Ireland are some of the countries which showed stabilization or reduction in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. [20][21][22][23][24] Gender differences indicate that in North Macedonia overweight and obesity are more prevalent among boys than among girls, which is similar to most of the countries in the region. [25][26][27] However, it is obvious from our data that the girl's overweight and obesity were more significantly growing over the observed period. ...
Childhood obesity is growing as one of the most important public health issues that affects individual and population health but also puts heavy burden on the health systems. It is frequently associated with immediate adverse consequences, such as psychological problems, and a higher risk of many harmful comorbidities later
in life, such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. Comparability of anthropometric data is crucial to track the changes over time. The aim of this paper was to present prevalence of thinness, overweight, and obesity in 7-year-old schoolchildren in North Macedonia in 2010
and 2019, and the changes in their nutritional status during that period. Material and methods: Anthropometric measurements of body height and body weight were performed to the nationally representative sample of 7-yearoldchildren in school years 2010/2011 and 2018/2019. Measurements followed the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) protocol and data collecting procedures. In total, 2737 children (1317 girls and 1420 boys) in 2010 and
2059 children (1045 girls and 1014 boys) in 2019 were measured. WHO Growth references were used to determine the growth and nutritional status of children. Results: The average height of children in the observed period has increased by 1.7 cm, weight for 1.2 kg and the BMI for 0.3 kg/m2. As for the weight classification, thinness
prevalence is significantly increased for 0.3%. Overweight (including obesity) significantly increased (p=0.0377) from 34.4% (95% CI 32.6%-36.2%) in 2010 to 37.3% (95% CI 35.2%-39.5%) in 2019. Obesity significantly increased (p=0.040) from 16.3% (95% CI 14.9%-17.7%) in 2010 to 18.4% (95% CI 16.7%-20.1%) in 2019. The main driver of that increase was the highly significant (p=0.0004) increase of almost 7% of overweight (including obesity) in girls. Conclusion: There is unfavorable rising trend which indicates deterioration of the situation with childhood obesity in the country. Focused and more comprehensive public health nutrition actions are needed to plateau or reverse the trends. The childhood obesity national monitoring system is well established and should continue to be one of the key public health monitoring systems that provide evidence for actions.
... However, there was a significant decrease of 3% in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 5 year-olds, which suggests a possible favourable cohort effect. The findings from this study are consistent with previous evidence suggesting that childhood obesity rates have stabilised in the Republic of Ireland 14,15,21 , in addition to some countries in Europe and in Australia, Japan and the USA 22 ; they may be decreasing in other countries such as Sweden 23 , Denmark 24 and Switzerland 25 . However, while there may be a favourable trend overall, the prevalence gap between economically disadvantaged and non-economically disadvantaged children in the Republic of Ireland is cause for concern. ...
Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children may have reached a plateau in some developed countries, including Ireland. The aim of this study was to examine 12-year trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary-school-aged children in the Republic of Ireland between 2002 and 2014.
Methods: Two large-scale oral health cross-sectional surveys of primary-school-aged children aged 4–13 years were conducted 12 years apart in 2002 (n=14,055; response rate=68%) and 2014 (n=5,223; response rate=67%). Both surveys included standardised and calibrated height and weight measures. Ownership of a means-tested medical card determined economic status. Standard International Obesity Task Force criteria were applied to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Results: The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity among 4–13-year-olds significantly decreased from 26% (95% CI: 25.1%–26.5%) in 2002 to 24% (95% CI: 22.4%–24.7%) in 2014. Among boys and girls aged 4–13 years, the significant decrease was from 23% (95% CI: 22.1%–24.1%) to 20% (95% CI: 18.9%–22.0 and 28% (95% CI: 27.4%–29.5%) to 27% (95% CI: 25.0%–28.4%), respectively. Among 5-year-old children, the overall prevalence of overweight and obesity significantly decreased from 25% (95% CI: 23.7%–26.2%) to 22% (95% CI: 19.9%–23.4%). In 2002, the estimated prevalence of overweight/obesity was similar in children with and without medical cards, whereas in 2014, overall prevalence was higher in those with medical cards.
Conclusions: Results suggest a fall in the prevalence of overweight/obesity between 2002 and 2014, and may suggest a favourable cohort effect. Despite this fall, the overall prevalence remains high and socioeconomic disparities have increased.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different levels of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports on the physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing of Irish adolescents (13–14 years). Methods: A cross-sectional sample (n = 795) of adolescents (age: 14.28 ± 0.45), enrolled at schools that are representative of higher (n = 7), moderate (n = 6) and lower (n = 7) levels of a typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports was included. A physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing questionnaire with established test–retest reliability was utilized to measure the variation in physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing. Results: Data analysis indicated a significant variation in the levels of physical activity behaviors and health across different levels of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports. The evidence was reported both as unadjusted group level analysis and adjusted covariate analysis. Favorable outcomes for higher levels of typical school provision were found for physical activity participation, body mass index, social support from peers to participate in physical activity and enjoyment of physical education for girls and somatic health complaints and enjoyment of physical education for boys. Conclusions: The findings stemming from this inquiry enable schools to optimize their environments for health promotion and, thus, further enhance their contribution to public health policy.
