Background Globally, the prevalence of child and adolescent overweight and obesity has increased during the preceding decades leading to childhood obesity being acknowledged as one of the most significant health hazards of the 21st century. Yet, in Finland comprehensive and up-to-date data on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents have been lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 2-16-year-old children and adolescents living in Finland in 2018. Methods The study was based on height and weight measurements taken at child welfare clinics and school health services between 5.7.2017 and 5.4.2019 (n = 375,561). The data was collected from the Register of Primary Health Care Visits. Child and adolescent overweight and obesity were defined according to international IOTF BMI criteria (age- and sex-specific BMI cut-off points corresponding to adults' cut-off points of 25 kg/m2 for overweight and 30 kg/m2 for obesity) and reported by age group and sex. Results In 2018, nearly 20% of boys and girls aged 2-16 years were classified as at least overweight while the prevalence of obesity was 5% among both sexes. The prevalence of overweight in pre-school-aged children (2-6 years) was 12% in boys and 15% in girls, in primary school-aged children (7-12 years) 23% in boys and 22% in girls and in adolescents (13-16 years) 25% in boys and 23% in girls. Conclusions In 2018, every fifth child and adolescent in Finland was classified as either overweight or obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity appears to increase with age in both genders. Key messages Childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity were comparatively common in Finland in 2018. As overweight and obesity often persist into adulthood, multi-professional interventions targeted at prevention and early detection are essential.
Background Limited research exists on the differences in the wellbeing of adults with young children and those without. The aim of this study was to compare the well-being of adults with and without young children. Methods The study is based on the FinHealth 2017 Study of a nationally representative sample on adults aged 18-50-years (n = 4764, 58% participated). Information on wellbeing was collected through self-administered questionnaires. Adults living in a household with young children (under 7-years old, n = 762) were compared to adults living in a household without young children (n = 1864). Inverse probability weights were used in the analysis to correct for the effects of non-response and different sampling probabilities. Results Nearly 90 % of adults with young children rated their quality of life as good or very good and were more satisfied with their family life (women 84% vs. 76%, men 87 % vs. 78%) and life achievements (women 82% vs. 69%, men 78% vs. 58%) compared to other adults. No difference was observed in satisfaction with the financial situation. Differences in the experience of psychological distress (Mental Health Inventory, MHI-5 score ≤52) were statistically insignificant. 6% of women and 7% of men with young children experienced psychological distress while the equivalent percentage of other adults was 9% in both sexes. Differences in symptoms of depression (Beck Depression Inventory, 6 item score >4) were also statistically insignificant, although the prevalence was somewhat lower for those with children (women 12% vs. 15%, men 6% vs. 12%). Adults with young children reported sufficient sleep less often compared to other adults (women 64% vs. 76%, men 67% vs. 77%). Conclusions Most parents of young children have a good quality of life and are satisfied with their life. Getting sufficient sleep is one of the main challenges of adults with young children. Key messages Adults with young children are more satisfied with their life compared to other adults. There is still a need for holistic lifestyle guidance, especially to promote mental well-being and sufficient sleep of adults with young children.
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