The prevalence of overweight and obesity and related metabolic abnormalities among children and adolescents in China

Along with the rapid economic and social development during the past three decades, China is experiencing a dramatic epidemiologic transition. Noncommunicable chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes mellitus have been becoming the leading cause of death and disability among Chinese people. Obesity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disease. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that overweight or obesity in childhood are associated with an increased risk of being overweight or obese and having obesity related metabolic disorders during adulthood. Few studies have systematically assessed changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, the health consequences, and related risk factors among Chinese children and adolescents. In this review, we attempt to summarize: 1) the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its time trends among Chinese children younger than 18 years of age; 2) overweight and obesity related metabolic abnormalities; and 3) associated risk factors.