PREVALENCE OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT IN INDIA: A META-ANALYSIS
Authors:   PhD, Department of Social Works (DSW), College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park Campus, Sturt Road, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Joyce Idomeh Eberechukwu , Kennedy Obohwemu Oberhiri ,   PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom; PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom, Abraham Minnu ,   MSPH, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, Hendon Campus, London, United Kingdom, Gordon Yakpir Mabengban ,   PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, Jesse Omoregie ,   PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom, Gabriel Abayomi ,   PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Manchester, United Kingdom, Friday Ndioho Ibiangake ,   PhD, Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom, Amanze Reginald Ugochukwu ,   PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Bolton, Bolton, United Kingdom
Published: December 2024

Background: A critical global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India, is the rise of childhood obesity. The rising prevalence of obesity among children in these regions poses significant challenges for public health systems, as it is associated with adverse health outcomes such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and psychological issues. This meta-analysis provides a comprehensive overview of childhood obesity prevalence in India. By systematically reviewing and synthesizing data from various studies, it identifies key risk factors contributing to childhood obesity in these settings. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies to curb the growing epidemic and promote healthier lifestyles among children in India.

Methods: A thorough literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to identify relevant English-language studies published in the last decade. The inclusion criteria focused on research conducted in India, examining children and adolescents aged 0-18 years, and reporting on the prevalence of childhood obesity or its risk factors. Ten cross-sectional studies met these criteria, providing a robust dataset for the meta-analysis.

Results: The analysis reveals a significant disparity in childhood obesity prevalence between urban and rural areas in India. Urban regions show a higher prevalence, with a pooled estimate of 9.0% (95% CI: 2.0 to 17), compared to 4.0% (95% CI: 4.0 to 5.0) in rural areas. In urban settings, risk factors include poor dietary choices, limited physical activity, higher socioeconomic status, parental education, and private school attendance. In rural areas, factors such as gender, age, and household size are associated with obesity prevalence.

Discussion: These findings highlight the need for interventions tailored to the specific conditions of urban and rural areas to address disparities in childhood obesity prevalence. Urban strategies should promote healthy dietary habits and increase opportunities for physical activity, while rural interventions must consider unique challenges and cultural contexts. Future research should incorporate regional and cultural distinctions to develop more effective public health strategies.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis offers critical insights into childhood obesity prevalence and its risk factors across India, emphasizing the importance of customized interventions and lifestyle modifications to mitigate this growing public health issue and address health disparities.