The epidemiology of overweight and obesity among Australian children and adolescents, 1995-97

A study attempts to determine the population prevalence of overweight and obesity among Australian children and adolescents, based on measured body mass index (BMI) to determine if overweight and obesity are distributed differentially across the population of young Australians. Data from three independent surveys were analyzed and results indicate that the population prevalence and distribution of overweight, obesity and overweight/obesity combined were 79%-81%, 14%-16%, 5% and 19%-21% (boys) respectively, and 76%-79%, 16%-18%, 5%-6% and 21%-24% (girls). There were no consistent relationships between the prevalence of overweight/obesity and sex, age or SES. It is concluded that some 19%-23% of Australian children and adolescents are either overweight or obese. Only cultural background differential warrant a targeted health promotion response.