Trend Analysis of the Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight from 1985 to 2000 Among Primary and Secondary School Students in Beijing

Objective To learn about the changes of obesity and overweight among students aged 7-18 years during this 15 years, and to provide basis for improving students' nutrition. Methods Data of students in Beijing were from the National Physical Fitness and Health Surveillance of Chinese School Students in 1985, 1991, 1995 and 2000. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were calculated according to BMI. Results The prevalence of obesity and overweight increased among students. The increase amplitude of obesity and overweight from 1995 to 2000 was higher than that from 1985 to 1995,but the increasing became slower in 1995-2000. The increasing rates of overweight and obesity for urban males (aged 7-9), overweight for female (aged 7-9) and obesity for rural male (aged 16-18) and urban female (aged 13-15) in 1995-2000 were higher than in 1985-1995. In city, the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity for the students in poor area were higher than in rich area. Conclusion The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity increase rapidly and spread from urban to rural areas among the students in Beijing. It is important to develop effective measures to prevent overweight and obesity.