CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN URBAN AND RURAL INDIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSES OF PREVALENCE STUDIES
Authors:   MSPH, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, Hendon Campus, London, United Kingdom, Abraham Minnu , Joyce Idomeh Eberechukwu ,   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, 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, Gordon Yakpir Mabengban ,   PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, Ama Owusuaa-Asante Maame ,   PhD Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, Gabriel Abayomi Olaoluwa ,   PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Manchester, United Kingdom, Oluwatoyin Bewaji Aderinsola ,   PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Manchester, United Kingdom, Ibiangake Ndioho Friday ,   PhD, Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom, Nourhan Abdelkader ,   MSc, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, Temitayo Fynecontry Oluwakemi ,   MSPH Flexible Support Options, Newcastle, United Kingdom, Victoria Soyobi Yewande ,   MBBS, Oni Memorial Children Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria; Riverside Nursing Home, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Published: November 2024

Background: Childhood obesity has become a pressing global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. This systematic review aims to investigate the prevalence of childhood obesity and its associated risk factors in urban and rural regions of India. Methods: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases to identify relevant English-language studies published within the past decade. Inclusion criteria included studies conducted in India, focusing on children and adolescents aged 0-18, and reporting either the prevalence of childhood obesity or related risk factors. Ten studies, comprising both cross-sectional and quantitative research designs, met these criteria. Results: The findings reveal a significant disparity in childhood obesity prevalence between urban and rural areas of India. Urban regions exhibit notably higher rates, with a pooled prevalence estimated at 9.0% (95% CI: 2.0 to 17), compared to 4.0% (95% CI: 4.0 to 5.0) in rural areas. Risk factors associated with childhood obesity in urban settings include unhealthy dietary habits, limited physical activity, higher income levels, parental education, and attendance at private schools. In rural areas, gender, age, and household size emerged as potential risk factors. Discussion: These findings underscore the urgent need for geographically tailored interventions to address the urban-rural disparities in childhood obesity. Lifestyle-oriented strategies promoting healthier dietary patterns and increased physical activity are essential. Gender-inclusive programs targeting both boys and girls are crucial. Future research should consider regional and cultural diversity to design more effective public health responses. Conclusion: This systematic review provides valuable insights into the prevalence and risk factors of childhood obesity in India. It highlights the necessity for customized interventions and lifestyle adjustments to combat this escalating public health challenge and reduce disparities in health outcomes.