Childhood obesity
Childhood obesity is already common, especially in westernized countries. In 2004, according to IOTF (now known as World Obesity Clinical Care) criteria, it was estimated that ~10% of children worldwide aged 5–17 years were overweight and that 2–3% were obese (Lobstein et al., 2004). Prevalence rates vary considerably between different regions and countries, from <5% in Africa and parts of Asia to >20% in Europe and >30% in the Americas and some countries in the Middle East. Becoming obese earlier in life clearly amplifies certain health risks, particularly for type 2 diabetes.
New child cut-offs
The IOTF criteria for overweight and obesity in children have recently been updated. Read more
World Obesity/ Policy & Prevention (previously IOTF) childhood working group reports
Report: "Obesity in children and young people: a crisis in public health" T. Lobstein, L. Baur and R. Uauy for the IASO International Obesity TaskForce
Comment: "The global epidemic of childhood obesity: is there a role for the paediatrician?"
Appendix 1. Reported prevalence of child and adolescent overweight and obesity
Appendix 2. Comparison of controlled trials undertaken to prevent obesity among children and adolescents