The rate of children and adolescents seeking to lose weight, even with a healthy body mass index (BMI), has jumped from 5% to 14%, according to the results of a survey conducted by the University of Oxford in the US. kingdom. The number has tripled in 20 years. The study surveyed 34,000 children ages 8 to 17 from 1997 to 2016. Among the questions, the researchers asked whether participants were trying to lose, maintain, or gain weight.
+ Obesity: the study says that the average BMI in children almost doubled during the pandemic
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Children who are overweight or obese are also more concerned about this problem now than they did two decades ago, which may be a good thing. Within this group, a number of young adults said they were trying to lose weight fourfold. “Increased weight-loss efforts among children who are overweight or obese may imply some success in communicating the importance of weight management to this group,” the researchers wrote.
However, they added that there was concern that the increase had not been matched by an increase in the provision of weight management services in England which could create a “risk of uncontrolled and potentially inappropriate weight management behaviour”.
One particular negative point was anxiety and trying to lose weight among healthy children and young adults. “The news that more and more children appear to be taking their weight seriously is very welcome, but this success should be greeted with caution. Alarmingly, children of a healthy weight appear to be ‘dieting’ and should be directed kindly to stop it.” daily Mail.
The study also revealed that one in three children in the UK is overweight or obese. In all, more than a quarter of children (26.5%) were trying to lose weight. Girls (60%) were more likely to try to lose weight than boys (40%). However, more boys worried about their weight during the 20 years the study observed.
Among the adolescents whose data and responses were observed, one in three was more likely to lose weight. Among the 8- to 12-year-olds, one in five had the same anxiety.
The results have been published in Archives of childhood diseases.
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Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.