A systematic review and meta‐analysis estimating the population prevalence of comorbidities in children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years

Abstract

SummaryEvidence for the health impact of obesity has largely focussed on adults. We estimated the population prevalence and prevalence ratio of obesity‐associated comorbidities in children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years. Five databases were searched from inception to 14 January 2018. Population‐based observational studies reporting comorbidity prevalence by weight category (healthy weight/overweight/obese) in children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years from any country were eligible. Comorbidity prevalence, stratified by weight category, was extracted and prevalence ratios (relative to healthy weight) estimated using random effects meta‐analyses. Of 9183 abstracts, 52 eligible studies (1 553 683 participants) reported prevalence of eight comorbidities or risk markers including diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Evidence for psychological comorbidities was lacking. Meta‐analyses suggested prevalence ratio for prediabetes (fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL) for those with obesity relative to those of a healthy weight was 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2‐1.6) and for NAFLD 26.1 (9.4‐72.3). In the general population, children and adolescents with overweight/obesity have a higher prevalence of comorbidities relative to those of a healthy weight. This review provides clinicians with information when assessing children and researchers a foundation upon which to build a comprehensive dataset to understand the health consequences of childhood obesity.

Sedentary behavior patterns and adiposity in children: a study based on compositional data analysis

“…2 Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia. 3 Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic. 4 Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.…”

“…According to recent worldwide estimates, 6% of girls and 8% of boys are obese [1]. Obese children are at an increased risk of several physical and psychological comorbidities in their childhood and chronic illness and premature death later in life [2,3]. The origin of childhood obesity is complex, but the key contributing factor seems to be long-term dysregulation of energy balance.…”

What guidance is there on portion size for feeding preschool‐aged children (1 to 5 years) in the United Kingdom and Ireland? A systematic grey literature review

“…In addition, if a healthy diet is promoted at a young age, this is more likely to track into adolescence and adulthood 32, 33 . The second reason is to prevent excessive weight gain, which could lead to overweight and obesity 34, 35 and increased risk of co‐morbidities 36 . A study by Syrad et al 13 found that in a UK twin birth cohort, a small (10 kcal) increase in meal size at 21 months was associated with a 4% faster growth rate above the average, demonstrating that increasing meal size was associated with more rapid weight gain.…”

Cluster randomised controlled feasibility study of HENRY: a community-based intervention aimed at reducing obesity rates in preschool children

“…Childhood obesity can have severe implications on a child's physical and mental health [3], which can continue into adulthood [1,4]. For example, prediabetes, high blood pressure [5], and depression [6]. Adopting healthy behaviours in the early years of a child's life ensures good development and growth [4].…”