Changes in Height, Weight, and BMI in Hong Kong Children
Author Information
Author(s): So Hung-Kwan, Nelson Edmund AS, Li Albert M, Wong Eric MC, Lau Joseph TF, Guldan Georgia S, Mak Kwok-Hang, Wang Youfa, Fok Tai-Fai, Sung Rita YT
Primary Institution: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hypothesis
To monitor secular changes in growth and the impact of the obesity epidemic in Hong Kong children.
Conclusion
The study shows significant secular changes in child growth and an increasing obesity epidemic among Hong Kong children.
Supporting Evidence
- Height, weight, and BMI of children increased significantly from 1963 to 2005/6.
- 16.7% of children were classified as overweight or obese in 2005/6.
- Obesity rates increased by 5.1% since 1993.
Takeaway
The study found that Hong Kong children are getting taller and heavier, and more of them are becoming overweight or obese.
Methodology
Cross-sectional height and weight measurements were taken from 14,842 children aged 6 to 18 years across Hong Kong's 18 districts.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias as only a portion of school children attended the Student Health Service.
Limitations
The study may not be fully representative of all Hong Kong children due to participation rates in the Student Health Service.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6 to 18 years from various primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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