Prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Hangzhou: a cross-sectional study - Report - MDSpire

Prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Hangzhou: a cross-sectional study

  • By

  • Lijuan Zhao

  • Xiujun Jiang

  • Tingting Wang

  • Hong Xu

  • Li Hao

  • Kehong Fang

  • Wenhui Zhang

  • Shangxi Wu

  • Yuting Zhang

  • April 13, 2026

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Clinical Report: Assessment of Overweight and Obesity Rates in Children in Hangzhou

Overview

This study assesses the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Hangzhou, reporting an overall rate of 27.20%. Key risk factors identified include gender, dietary habits, and experiences of bullying.

Background

Childhood obesity is a public health issue linked to various chronic diseases and psychological disorders. The rising prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents necessitates understanding the associated risk factors.

Data Highlights

MetricValue
Overall Overweight and Obesity Rate27.20%
Obesity Prevalence in Ages 6-10Obesity prevalence equals or exceeds overweight prevalence
Higher Rates in BoysBoys have higher rates than girls
Urban vs Suburban PrevalenceHigher in urban students

Key Findings

  • The overall overweight and obesity rate among children and adolescents was 27.20%.
  • Obesity prevalence declined with age, while overweight rates remained stable.
  • Boys exhibited higher rates of overweight and obesity compared to girls.
  • Urban students had a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than suburban counterparts.
  • Factors such as eating fresh fruit daily, skipping breakfast, and bullying victimization were linked to higher rates of overweight and obesity.
  • Female sex and boarding student status were identified as protective factors.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the significant prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents, particularly in urban settings. Interventions should focus on promoting healthy eating habits and addressing bullying to mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

The findings indicate the multifactorial nature of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- An evaluation of factors associated with hypertension in children and adolescents with obesity
  2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Links Between Growth Rates of Body Mass Index, Body Composition, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Preschoolers in China
  3. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Evaluating the Impact of Physical Activity on Anxiety and Depression in Overweight and Obese Youth: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis
  4. Overview | Overweight and obesity management | Guidance | NICE, 2025
  5. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Links Between Plasma and Fecal Metabolites and Body Mass Index Along with Body Fat Distribution in Pediatric Populations
  6. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adolescents with Obesity
  7. Comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors for childhood obesity in China
  8. Overview | Overweight and obesity management | Guidance | NICE

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