Current status, determinants and health implications of infant overweight and obesity in China

Abstract

In recent years, the increasing prevalence of obesity among school-aged children and adolescents in China has attracted considerable attention from both the government and society. However, obesity in infancy remains underrecognized by many parents and is sometimes even regarded as a sign of good health. Because previous studies in China have used inconsistent criteria for defining infant overweight and obesity, accurate nationwide prevalence data are not yet available. Nevertheless, multiple studies have suggested that the detection rates of infant overweight and obesity in China are relatively high. Infant overweight and obesity result from the combined effects of genetic and environmental factors, and studies have shown that these conditions may lead to adverse consequences for health throughout the life course. Greater attention to overweight and obesity beginning in infancy among parents and clinical healthcare professionals, together with timely adjustments to nurturing and feeding practices, may effectively reduce the risk of obesity and metabolic complications during school age and adulthood. This reflects the health management philosophy of early intervention and proactive prevention.

Keywords

infant overweight and obesity / definition / classification / epidemiological prevalence / health impacts