ESPE Abstracts

Aim: Data on weight status are essential to guide the development of preventive measures, which can reduce adverse consequences for health. The aim of this study was to estimate trends, from 2010 to 2022, in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and severe obesity, using the International Obesity Task Force cut-off values. Weight trends were explored in children between 2 and 14 years in the municipality of Bergen, Norway.

Methods: This study had a repeated cross-sectional design. Data on weight and length were obtained retrospectively for calculation of BMI from standardised electronic child health and school health records. Trends in the proportion of children above IOTF25, 30 and 35 were analysed using Chi-square test for trend and linear regression, separately for girls and boys at scheduled contacts at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 13 years.

Results: A total of 180 648 BMI measurements from 77970 children were included. The participation rate was approximately 90% in preschool children and 80% in schoolchildren. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity (IOTF≥25) increased from 9.8% in 2-year-old children to 19.2% in 13-year olds, that of obesity and severe obesity from 1.1% to 3.7% and 0.2 to 0.6% respectively. There was a significant increase in the prevalence above IOTF25 in girls for age groups 2 and 8, and a decrease in the prevalence for 13-year-old girls through the study period. In boys, there was a significant increase in the prevalence above IOTF25 for 8-year-old boys, and a decrease in the prevalence for the 13-year-old boys.

Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschool and school-aged girls increased between 2010 to 2022, and decreased for the adolescent girls. Whereas for boys, the prevalence was stable in the preschool children but increased for the 8-year-old boys. Similar to girls, the prevalence decreased in the adolescent boys.