Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in South Asian Countries

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a global health problem with immediate and long-term health consequences. The increasing trend of childhood overweight & obesity has emerged as a major public health threat. The study reviewed relevant articles on prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in South Asia during 2008 to 2017. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of childhood overweight & obesity in South Asia. Literature search was done in accessible logical open areas, for example, Google Scholar, PubMed, Bio-Med central and Science Hub from the most recent ten years. Extra investigations were likewise recognized through cross-references and sites of authority organizations. Twenty primary studies were included in the final review, of which were conducted in schools settings in the South Asian countries; Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka. The prevalence of overweight and obesity showed wide variations in the included studies. The study showed that the prevalence rate is higher in Bangladesh, India & Pakistan and relatively lower in Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka. This survey indicated expanding patterns in the commonness of overweight and weight rates among children in South Asia. This investigation underlines on the earnest need to advance solid ways of life among children to handle childhood overweight and corpulence.