Background: There is strong evidence of a positive secular trend in body mass index (BMI) and skinfold thickness (SFT) in most of the world over the past 10 years. However, no studies on this trend have been reported in Shandong Province, China.
Aim: The present study assessed the decennial change in BMI and SFT in Shandong Province during the past 10 years and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents.
Subjects and methods: The BMI and SFT of adolescents aged 7 to 18 years was calculated using data from 2 national surveys on students' constitution and health carried out by the government in 1995 and 2005 in Shandong Province, China. The distribution of BMI and SFT was reported, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity were obtained according to the screening criteria of overweight and obesity for Chinese students using BMI.
Results: In the past 10 years, the P(50) (50th percentile) of BMI and SFT increased rapidly. The average increments of BMI and SFT were 0.91 kg/m(2), 7.99 mm for boys and 0.55 kg/m(2), 7.13 mm for girls, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased rapidly: for overweight from 7.53% (boys), 4.89% (girls) in 1995 to 14.28% (boys), 8.75% (girls) in 2005; and for obesity from 2.92% (boys), 1.72% (girls) in 1995 to 10.78% (boys), 5.76% (girls) in 2005.
Conclusion: The average value of BMI and SFT has increased over time; overweight and obesity among adolescents has become a serious public health problem. Comprehensive evidence-based strategies of intervention should be introduced, including periodic monitoring.