Trends in childhood and adolescent obesity prevalence in Oviedo (Asturias, Spain) 1992-2006

Aim: To analyse obesity and overweight prevalence trend in Oviedo (Spain) during the last 14 years. Patients and Methods: Two cross-sectional studies were conducted in the same five public schools of the urban area of Oviedo in 1992 and 2004–06. One thousand one hundred sixty-five children and young adults between the age of 6 and 17 years were studied in 1992 and 1312 in 2004–06. Obesity and overweight were defined according to the International Obesity Task Force cut-off values. Results: Body mass index (BMI) values (20.5 ± 3.6 vs. 20.1 ± 3.3 p = 0.02) and obesity prevalence (6.3% vs. 4.5% p < 0.05) were significantly higher in the 2004–06 cohort, while overweight prevalence showed a non-significant increase. Obesity prevalence increased in both sexes in the 6–11-year group. In adolescent females, a four-fold increase was observed, from 0.9% in 1992 (95% CI : −0.1 to 1.9) to 3.8% in 2004–06 (95% CI : 1.8–6). A slight non-significant decrease was observed in adolescent males (6.6% in 1992 to 5.8% in 2004–06). Conclusion: Obesity and overweight are increasing in children and adolescents in Oviedo at a level similar to that observed in studies conducted in developed countries. This obesity epidemic is becoming an important public health issue.