School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2a, 21000 Split, Croatia.
Teaching Institute of Public Health of Split-Dalmatian County, Vukovarska 46, 21000 Split, Croatia.
Nutrients. 2024 Oct 15;16(20):3488. doi: 10.3390/nu16203488.
The rising prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is a global public health concern, significantly contributing to noncommunicable chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. In Croatia, obesity rates are alarmingly high, affecting both children and adults. Data from the Institute of the Public Health of Split-Dalmatian County were analyzed to identify trends in body mass index (BMI) among primary school students in Split, Croatia and possible connection with sports participation and parental education levels. A longitudinal analysis of students was conducted across three medical examinations during primary school education. The findings showed an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity from 23.4% in the first to 30.2% in the fifth grade, returning back to 23.4% in the eighth grade. Significant differences among students were associated with parental education level. Boys who participated in sports demonstrated a higher BMI in the first grade but there was no difference in BMI in later grades. Sports participation had no significant impact on the BMI of girls. The study underscores the critical role of parental education in influencing children's weight status and highlights the necessity of tailored public health interventions to address these trends from an early age. The implementation of comprehensive strategies, including educational programs and policy measures as part of the national health policy, is the only way to combat childhood obesity and promote long-term health benefits.
儿童和青少年肥胖症的患病率不断上升，是一个全球性的公共卫生问题，它极大地促成了心血管疾病、糖尿病和癌症等非传染性慢性病的发生。在克罗地亚，肥胖率高得惊人，影响到儿童和成年人。对斯普利特-达尔马提亚县公共卫生研究所的数据进行了分析，以确定克罗地亚斯普利特小学生的体重指数（BMI）的趋势，并探讨其与运动参与和父母教育程度的可能联系。对学生进行了三次医疗检查，进行了贯穿小学教育的纵向分析。研究结果表明，超重和肥胖的患病率从一年级的 23.4%上升到五年级的 30.2%，然后在八年级又回落到 23.4%。学生之间存在显著差异与父母的教育程度有关。参加运动的男孩在一年级的 BMI 较高，但在以后的年级中，BMI 没有差异。运动参与对女孩的 BMI 没有显著影响。该研究强调了父母教育在影响儿童体重状况方面的关键作用，并突出了需要从早期开始制定有针对性的公共卫生干预措施来应对这些趋势。实施综合战略，包括教育计划和政策措施，作为国家卫生政策的一部分，是对抗儿童肥胖和促进长期健康益处的唯一途径。
