Is the childhood obesity epidemic overstated?

Questions are being raised as to whether there is a childhood obesity epidemic 'spiralling out of control' and whether community based preventative strategies to prevent overweight and obesity in children are appropriate. The recent Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey ( Kids Eat Kids Play) found that 17% of children aged 2-16 years were overweight and 6% obese (1).

The biggest jump in childhood obesity rates occurred between 1985 and 1995 when it climbed from 1.3% to 5% (2). Recent reports (2,3) suggest that over the last 5-10 years rates have stabilized  at about 5-6%, and that it is more prevalent in children of Pacific Islander and Middle Eastern backgrounds than Anglo/ Caucasian or Asian backgrounds (2). This raises the question as to whether prevention strategies should be focused on these high risk groups rather than the population at large. It has also been suggested that promoting weight control/loss to the wider community could lead to eating disorders in young people.

A recent paper in the Medical Journal of Australia (4) authored by obesity experts addresses these concerns. They conclude that obesity is a major health problem for children and even at a stabilized or small growth rate needs to be tackled; a range of preventative strategies is needed including targeting those at  high risk and the whole community; and that concern about eating disorders should not stop prevention strategies.

References

1. CSIRO, Preventative Health Natinal Research Flagship, University of South Australia. 2007 Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Canberra: Government of Australia

2. O'Dea JA. Are we OK or are we not? Journal of the HEIA 2007;14(3):6-14

3. The Australian . Childhood obesity epidemic is myth, says research. January 09, 2009

4.Gill TP, Baur LA, Bauman AE et al. Childhood obesity in Australia remains a widespread health concern that warrants population -wide prevention programs. MJA 2009;190(3):146-148