Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Kuwaiti children and adolescents

Abstract EN

The objective of this paper was to find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschool and school children, as well as adolescents in Kuwait.

Data were obtained from the national surveillance programme on anthropometric information of children, adolescents and adults.

The sample included in this study was as follows: 15149 children aged 1-72 months, 10130 children aged 6-9 years, 10893 children aged 10-13 years and 10512 adolescents aged 14-17 years.

Findings showed that the prevalence of obesity was higher among females at age groups 1-72 months and 14-17 years, while the prevalence was almost equal in other age groups.

As compared with previous stuides, the prevalence of obesity is increasing, and therefore a programme to prevent overweight and obesity should be established.