Geographical variation in the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome among US adolescents

Abstract

Summary Background Among adolescents, obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) contribute to adult cardiovascular disease risk. By parent report, obesity prevalence in the USA was highest in the South. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and MetS by US division and region. Methods We used in‐person assessment of 4600 US adolescents age 12–19 years participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2014. Results Prevalence of obesity was highest in the East North Central division (21.3%) and the three census divisions in the South (all >20%), compared with lower prevalence in the Mountain and New England divisions (both <15%). MetS was most prevalent in the two divisions in the Midwest (both >10%) and lowest in the Mountain and New England divisions (both <6%). For the amount of obesity in each division, there was a higher prevalence of MetS in the West North Central division (obesity 17.1%, MetS 13.6%) and lower prevalence in the East South Central (obesity 23.5%, MetS 6.6%) and South Atlantic divisions (obesity 20.4%, MetS 6.7%). Conclusions The degree of obesity‐related and MetS‐related risk among adolescents in the Midwest is higher than suggested from previous parent‐reported weight data. The Midwest and South may warrant particularly strong cardiovascular disease prevention efforts.

Assessing and Managing the Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents

“…Not surprisingly, MetS varies by location, with one meta-analysis estimating a lower prevalence in Europe (2.1%) and the Far East (3.3%) compared to the Americas (4.5%) and the Middle East (6.5%) [44]. Even in the US, prevalence varies by geography, with higher prevalence in the Midwest and South of the US compared to the West and Northeast (Figure 2), with potential implications for allocation of resources by region toward improved lifestyle efforts [45]. While MetS has traditionally been thought of as a problem of developed countries, the increase in pediatric obesity across the globe has made MetS a concern in developing countries as well [46].…”

Changes in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components as Well as in Relevant Preventive Medication between 2006 and 2018 in the Northeast Hungarian Population

“…Studies have demonstrated that geographical location and socioeconomic conditions could determine the frequency of MetS and its components [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. In order to eliminate the effects of the different geographical features of the country, individuals from HB and SSB counties were selected for further analysis from the 2006 sample population.…”

Awareness, Care and Treatment In Obesity maNagement to inform Haemophilia Obesity Patient Empowerment (ACTION‐TO‐HOPE): Results of a survey of US patients with haemophilia and obesity (PwHO) and their partners and caregivers

“…PwHO and their friends and families were seen as the most critical parties to improving the health of PwHO (Table S12). 25,26 An initial challenge is to ensure that PwHO understand that they are overweight or obese and that obesity can cause long-term health problems and to ensure that the diagnosis of overweight or obesity is explicitly carried forward as a medical problem on their treatment plans. For PwHO, setting realistic goals (62%) and support from family and friends (59%) were most critical to success.…”

“…Epidemiologic data suggest that the issue of obesity in the haemophilia community is at least as much of a problem as it is in the overall US population. 25,26 An initial challenge is to ensure that PwHO understand that they are overweight or obese and that obesity can cause long-term health problems and to en- In the adolescent population, strategies can be implemented to prevent further weight gain (grow into weight) and address social and family issues around eating habits. Adolescent barriers to maintaining weight were different than those of adults; adolescents were more exposed and more sensitive to food advertising.…”