Prevalence of Obesity in a National Representative Sample of Taiwan Adolescents

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of obesity in Taiwanese adolescents and important related variables.

Methods: This analysis was based on the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) data during 2010 and 2011. The original study was a cross-sectional and national representative survey. A total of 1842 subjects (920 males and 922 females) aged 11–20 years participated. Research tools consisted of questionnaires and anthropometry parameters, and Taiwanese criteria were used to classify adolescents’ weights. The acquired data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:

The prevalence of obesity in Taiwanese adolescents was 16.7%. Logistic regression analysis showed that, obesity in adolescents was significantly associated with male gender, parental obesity, mother’s overweight, eating habits, and perceived dietary benefits.

Conclusion:

 Obesity among adolescents in Taiwan is a health concern that requires attention. The prevalence may be reduced by adjusting lifestyles. Prevention strategies should focus on adolescents, particularly adolescents of obese parents. Furthermore, employing integrative, education-based methods can reduce the health risks caused by obesity.