Decreased Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the Newfoundland and Labrador Preschool Population

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschool-aged (42-66 months) children in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2009/10. Second, 2009/10 rates were compared to those reported for 2001/02 and 1988/89 to ascertain whether the previous rising trend had continued, stabilized or decreased while public health prevention and intervention efforts increased. METHODS: Heights and weights of children measured in clinics in 2009/10, 2001/02 and 1988/89 were sampled, representing 29%, 77% and 45% of provincial births in 2005, 1997 and 1984, respectively. Body mass indices were calculated and classified as overweight, obese or neither, using World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts. ANOVA and regression procedures were used to compare cohorts. RESULTS: Combined overweight and obesity was significantly lower in 2009/10 (35.7%) than in 2001/02 (38.9%), (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76-0.99). Considered separately, both overweight and obesity rates stabilized. Boys were 1.4 times more likely to be overweight or obese than girls in all samples. In 2009/10, combined overweight and obesity was higher in rural areas (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.28-2.18). In three of four public health jurisdictions, prevalence in 2009/10 remained significantly higher than 20 years earlier. In one region, rates returned to 1988/89 levels. CONCLUSION: Progress has been made in stabilizing, even reversing, overweight and obesity in the Newfoundland and Labrador preschool population, however, prevalence rates remain high. Surveillance and intervention efforts must continue. Given the jurisdictional and regional differences found, further research should compare ecological contexts and thus attempt to isolate and identify important contributing factors and effective interventions.