# Prevalences and risk factors of overweight and obesity among kindergarten children in Shenzhen, China: a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study found that 8.3% of kindergarten children in Shenzhen, China, were overweight and 7.9% were obese, highlighting the growing public health concern.

## Contribution

The study provides updated prevalence data on childhood obesity in Shenzhen during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Key findings

- The prevalence of overweight and obesity among kindergarten children was 8.3% and 7.9%, respectively.
- Risk factors included congenital, family, and lifestyle factors.
- Obesity rates were higher than in Shenzhen before the pandemic and comparable to some high-income countries.

## Abstract

Obesity in children have become major public health issues worldwide. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in Longgang District, Shenzhen, China, in the context of COVID-19 and analyze associated risk factors.

A cross-sectional study was conducted through online survey from May to July 2021. World Health Organization child growth standards and the health industry standards of the People’s Republic of China were used as the diagnostic criteria for overweight and obesity. The prevalences of overweight and obesity were calculated, and risk factors of obesity were analyzed using binary logistic regression.

The parents or guardians of 124,593 children were administered, and 108,581 subjects were included. The prevalences of overweight and obesity among kindergarten children in Longgang District, Shenzhen, were 8.3 and 7.9%, respectively. The risk factors for childhood obesity included congenital, family, and lifestyle factors.

In 2021, the obesity prevalence of kindergarten children in Longgang District was close to some high-income countries and higher than Shenzhen before the outbreaks of COVID-19. This finding may be associated with social, family, and personal factors. Exploration of evidence-based, effective means of modifying children’s health habits, and social support is urgently needed.