Trends in obesity among Norwegian children from 1970-2012, presentation of possible measures to reduce this public health problem = Utvikling i overvekt blant norske barn i perioden mellom 1970-2012, og presentasjon av tiltak som kan benyttes for å redusere dette folkehelseproblemet

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Obesity is defined as BMI over 25. There is evidence of an increasing incidence of obesity among Norwegian children, and various studies show that between 15 to 20% are in the category of overweight. Purpose: Finding Norwegian children's weight trends in the period 1970 - 2012, and figure out which methods are the best suited to the prevention and weight loss among children. Material and Methods: The data are obtained from the medical database Medline (Ovid), and research found through searches in health directorate reports. Results are presented from a systematic search that focuses on studies that show 1: increased obesity among Norwegian children, and 2: interventions and preventive measures against child obesity. Results: The search result confirms that there has been a marked increase in obesity among Norwegian children between 1970 -2012 Several intervention studies which prove efficacy in the prevention and direct intervention against child obesity were also found. Conclusion: This Literature study shows a noticeable increase in obesity among Norwegian children in the period 1970 - 2012. There are indications that family interventions of lifestyle modification and behavior therapy are the measures needed to achieve these goals. Key Words: children, obesity, Norway, development, intervention, initiatives