A Sociological Examination of the Prevalence of Obesity in Children and Adolescents in the Context of Social Dynamics: Big Data Analysis from 1990 to 2020

Abstract

The aim of this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in countries, continents and income levels worldwide. In this longitudinal study, statistics published by the World Health Organization were used as data source. Within the scope of the study, two different indicator data were collected. The indicators used in the study were body mass index (BMI) and obesity rates in boys and girls aged 5-9 and 10-19 years. The study was analyzed with Pyton program. Between 1990 and 2020, body mass index (BMI) and obesity rates for boys and girls aged 5-9 and 10-19 years were particularly high in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, and East Asia and the Pacific. Worldwide, BMI and obesity rates for children aged 5-9 and 10-19 years increased significantly from an average of 3.75% in 1990 to 12.65% in 2020. The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents varies significantly across countries and continents. While obesity rates are higher in developed and high-income countries, obesity is an increasing public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa face a double burden of malnutrition, with both underweight and obesity. Public health strategies need to be tailored to address the unique challenges faced by each region, promote healthy eating habits and encourage physical activity among adolescents.