Factors influencing childhood overweight and obesity in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the current literature on childhood overweight and obesity in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) as defined by the World Bank. Many LMICs are experiencing a dual burden of under- and over-nutrition which has a widespread impact on global health. In addition, globalization and changes in food production in LMICs have been associated with the growing prevalence rates of childhood obesity. Although obesity trends have been well documented in developed countries, there is a lack of representative data on childhood obesity in LMICs. For this study, 29 articles were reviewed and analyzed to examine the factors contributing to childhood overweight and obesity in LMICs. This review provides evidence of childhood overweight/obesity in low and middle-income countries. The findings of this review describe the six main factors associated with childhood overweight and obesity including sociodemographic factors, nutrition transition, family household structure, maternal health status, environment, and sedentary lifestyle. Since the studies varied regarding methods and analysis, we cannot generalize key findings across articles or between countries. Therefore, this review will report on the factors associated with childhood obesity by country based on specific studies to avoid generalization. Future research should use an ecological approach to provide health education to eliminate childhood obesity. Additionally, interventions and strategies should be attentive to the cultural and socioeconomic risk factors that are heavily associated with childhood obesity.