Prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among infants in Chongqing urban area

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among infants in Chongqing urban area, and to provide a basis for early intervention in cases of childhood obesity. METHODS: A total of 2139 infants aged one month were selected by stratified cluster sampling. They underwent growth monitoring and evaluation at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months after birth. Meanwhile, related factors were investigated using a standardized questionnaire. The data was subjected to multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors for overweight and obesity among infants aged 18 months. RESULTS: The detection rate of overweight and obesity increased rapidly after birth, reaching 26.04% at six months, and then decreased gradually, reaching 15.89% at 18 months. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed nine variable factors that were significantly correlated with overweight and obesity among infants aged 18 months, including nutritional status of the father, nutritional status of the infants at birth and at 6, 9 and 12 months after birth, feeding patterns at 3 months, frequency of vegetable intake at 12 months, frequency of sweet beverage addition at 18 months, and bedtime at 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity are prevalent among infants in Chongqing urban area, and these conditions are affected by multiple factors. Early comprehensive intervention is recommended to curb prevalence.