The global burden of high BMI among adolescents between 1990 and 2021
Chenliang Ge, Jingwei Xiong, Rui Zhu, Zhenchen Hong, Yan He
Abstract
Adolescent high body mass index (BMI) is a growing global health problem. This study analyzes global, regional, and national prevalence and trends of high BMI among adolescents (aged 10–19 years) from 1990 to 2021, investigates disparities by sex, country, and socio-demographic index (SDI), and projects prevalence to 2030. This study analyzed Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021 data. Prevalence and trends of high BMI among adolescents were stratified by sex, SDI, and region. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), joinpoint regression, and Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) analysis were used to quantify trends and project prevalence to 2030. Global adolescent high BMI prevalence has increased from 8.36% (1990) to 17.64% (2021), with females having a slightly higher prevalence than males. Marked disparities are observed across SDI levels; high SDI countries have the highest prevalence, but middle SDI countries are experiencing the fastest increases. Substantial geographic variations are also evident, with particularly rapid increases in some regions, such as the Pacific Island nations, and slower growth or declines in others, such as parts of East Asia. The BAPC model projects a continued rise in global high BMI prevalence up to 2030, with considerable variation across individual countries. The global rise of high BMI among adolescents, coupled with projections of continued increases, presents a pressing public health concern. The observed disparities across SDI levels and geographic regions necessitate tailored interventions to address this growing epidemic effectively. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. This study looked at how common high BMI (indicating overweight or obesity) is among children and teenagers (aged 10–19) worldwide. We also used the data to predict probable trends in BMI from now until 2030. We found that high BMI has more than doubled globally and is rising fastest in countries with rapidly growing economies. While wealthier countries have the highest rates now, this is a growing problem everywhere. This rise in teen obesity will probably lead to more health problems and put a strain on healthcare systems. Our analysis suggests urgent action is needed, including policies to make healthier food choices easier and to limit junk food marketing to children. Ge et al. analyze global data on high Body Mass Index (BMI) among adolescents from 1990-2021. There is a significant increase in prevalence, with marked disparities across socioeconomic levels and geographic regions, and projections to 2030 indicate a continued upward trend.