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Evidence of an Overweight/Obesity Transition among School-Aged Children and Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

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  • Stella K Muthuri
  • Claire E Francis
  • Lucy-Joy M Wachira
  • Allana G LeBlanc
  • Margaret Sampson
  • Vincent O Onywera
  • Mark S Tremblay

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity has increased considerably in recent years. The transition to higher rates of overweight/obesity has been well documented in high income countries; however, consistent or representative data from lower income countries is scarce. It is therefore pertinent to assess if rates of overweight/obesity are also increasing in lower income countries, to inform public health efforts. Objective: This systematic review aimed to investigate the evidence for an overweight/obesity transition occurring in school-aged children and youth in Sub Saharan Africa. Methods: Studies were identified by searching the MEDLINE, Embase, Africa Index Medicus, Global Health, Geobase, and EPPI-Centre electronic databases. Studies that used subjective or objective metrics to assess body composition in apparently healthy or population-based samples of children and youth aged 5 to 17 years were included. Results: A total of 283 articles met the inclusion criteria, and of these, 68 were used for quantitative synthesis. The four regions (West, Central, East, and South) of Sub Saharan Africa were well represented, though only 11 (3.9%) studies were nationally representative. Quantitative synthesis revealed a trend towards increasing proportions of overweight/obesity over time in school-aged children in this region, as well as a persistent problem of underweight. Weighted averages of overweight/obesity and obesity for the entire time period captured were 10.6% and 2.5% respectively. Body composition measures were found to be higher in girls than boys, and higher in urban living and higher socioeconomic status children compared to rural populations or those of lower socioeconomic status. Conclusions: This review provides evidence for an overweight/obesity transition in school-aged children in Sub Saharan Africa. The findings of this review serve to describe the region with respect to the growing concern of childhood overweight/obesity, highlight research gaps, and inform interventions. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42013004399

Suggested Citation

  • Stella K Muthuri & Claire E Francis & Lucy-Joy M Wachira & Allana G LeBlanc & Margaret Sampson & Vincent O Onywera & Mark S Tremblay, 2014. "Evidence of an Overweight/Obesity Transition among School-Aged Children and Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(3), pages 1-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0092846
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092846
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    1. Bhargava, Alok & Fox-Kean, Melanie, 2003. "The effects of maternal education versus cognitive test scores on child nutrition in Kenya," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 1(3), pages 309-319, December.
    2. Reddy, S.P. & Resnicow, K. & James, S. & Funani, I.N. & Kambaran, N.S. & Omardien, R.G. & Masuka, P. & Sewpaul, R. & Vaughan, R.D. & Mbewu, A., 2012. "Rapid increases in overweight and obesity among South African adolescents: Comparison of data from the South African national youth risk behaviour survey in 2002 and 2008," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(2), pages 262-268.
    3. Akesode, F. A. & Ajibode, H. A., 1983. "Prevalence of obesity among Nigerian school children," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 17(2), pages 107-111, January.
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    1. Le, Kien & Nguyen, My, 2020. "Shedding light on maternal education and child health in developing countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).

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