Socio-demographic and Economic Correlates of Overweight Status in Chinese Adolescents

Objective : To investigate over-weight prevalence and socio-demographic and economic correlates in Chinese adolescents.Methods : Weight, height, waist circumference, and socio-demo-graphic and economic variables of 6863 middle and high school students were measured.Results : 10% of girls and 17% of boys were overweight. Waist circumference and overweight risk were significantly associated with pubertal status (P\u3c0.05). High levels of parental education and family income were significant risk factors for overweight (P\u3c0.05).Discussion : Our findings underscore the need for development of evidence-based and culturally appropriate public health programs to prevent and treat pediatric obesity in China