Objective To analyze the prevalence and development of overweight and obesity among middle and primary school students from 1999 to 2008 in Zhabei district of Shanghai, and thus provide evidence for intervening measures.
Methods According to the Protocol for Intergrated Prevention and Control of Commonly Encountered Diseases among Students in China, annual physical exams were conducted in the monitored schools in Zhabei district during 1999-2008. The weight and height of students aged 7-18 years were monitored and calculated for the morbidity of overweight and obesity in different age groups and gender groups at different time periods.
Results The increases of overweight and obesity were found both in boys and in girls from 1999 to 2008, especially the increase of obesity. The morbidities of overweight and obesity in boys were significantly higher than those girls. The morbidity of overweight in girls increased slightly, while the prevalence got stabilized. The morbidity of obesity decreased with the grow-up of boys.
Conclusion The analysis depicted a grim picture of the prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as a trend of higher prevalence and younger age, among students in middle and primary schools in Zhabei district. Therefore, the prevention and control of overweight and obesity by an integrated approach among students should be listed as the priority of school health work in Zhabei district.
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