Regional disparities in prevalence of obesity among school-aged children in Egypt: A country case study from The Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

Background: This study is a review of recent research conducted in Egypt on the problem of rising prevalence rates of obesity among school-aged children. Methods: The search was conducted in three phases. The key words used were obesity, overweight, school-aged children, and nutritional status specifically for Egyptians over the past decade (2010–2021). Online research sites and the libraries of the Egyptian universities of the eluc.org. websites were searched along with on-site visits to the libraries of thesis universities and other research institutes in Egypt, to obtain full research material. Finally, retrieved data were analyzed statistically. Results: The search identified 24 studies that covered 15 governorates and one national survey that covered 25 governorates. The prevalence of obesity in the pooled populations was 10.6%. Prevalence rates of obesity were highest in Lower Egypt (LE) (10.0%) and urban governorates (9.2%) compared to Upper Egypt (UE) governorates (6.3%, p>0.05). Obesity in the children over 10 years was slightly higher among females in the urban (5.1%) and LE governorates (5.2%) compared to males (4.1 and 4.8%, respectively). However, it appeared higher in males (5.2%) compared to females (3.2%) in UE governorates (p>0.05). Conclusion: Obesity in Egypt is rising and is related primarily to high consumption of unhealthy foods. Member states must take active steps to regulate marketing of unhealthy foods to children.

Prevalence of Obesity in the Under-Fives and Its Association with Marketed Foods and Beverages for Children and Anxiety in Mothers

“…The current study, nutritional status showed the fact that the total prevalence of obesity was 4.2% in preschool children (2-5 years old) in Kaluibiya Governorate in Egypt, while 3.6% were underweight, 15.4% were overweight and 47.1% were stunted. In Egypt a systemic review and meta-analysis study from 24 studies in Egypt; Al-Jawaldeh and Abul-Fadl [20] found that obesity was more common (10.6%) among school-aged youngsters. In the USA affiliated the prevalence rate is progressively rising from 10% at 2 years to 23% at 8 years [21] .…”

“…There was very little difference in overweight and obesity with increased duration of breastfeeding. Al-Jawaldeh and Abul-Fadl [20] conducted a metanalysis study for preschool children and compared nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months among formula versus exclusively breastfed infants (EBF). They reported that comparing IFM and EBF revealed that, respectively, overweight was 5.4% compared 3.45%, obesity was 13.8% versus 5.65%, stunting was 21.6% versus 1.15, and wasting was 9.7% versus 0.85%.…”

“…According to Al-Jawaldeh and Abul-Fadl [20] study, early and prolonged formula feeding, meals consumed before the age of six months, packaged foods, canned beverages, and a lack of physical exercise are all risk factors for obesity. Colostrum feeding, exclusive nursing for a longer period of time, a nutritious diet, and consumption of fruits and vegetables all offer protection.…”

Relationship between effectiveness of asthma management and genetic variants in asthmatic Egyptian children

“…In Egypt, studies have shown varied asthma prevalence rates among children. Specifically, a 4.8% prevalence rate was identified in infants and children under four years of age from five different governorates [28]. Another study from El Menoufiya Governorate showed that the prevalence of asthma among primary school children was 6.5% [29].…”