Peer-reviewed article
Trends in Childhood Underweight in Norwegian Children: Data From Routine Child Healthcare, 2010-2022.
Linde SF, Nilsen RM, Roelants M, Balthasar MR, Baker JL et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study tracked underweight prevalence among Norwegian children aged 2-13 years from 2010 to 2022 using routine health clinic and school health service data. Underweight was most common in young children, particularly 2-year-olds, and declined with age, with girls showing a steeper decline than boys. During 2010-2019, underweight decreased among 2-year-olds, but during the pandemic period (2020-2022), underweight increased among 8-year-old girls. The findings suggest underweight remains a public health concern requiring ongoing monitoring in early childhood.
Key points
- Underweight prevalence was highest at age 2 years (19.3% for girls, 13.3% for boys) and declined to 6.2% and 8.6% respectively by age 13
- Girls showed a steeper decline in underweight with increasing age compared to boys
- Pre-pandemic period (2010-2019) showed significant decrease in underweight among 2-year-olds
- During COVID-19 pandemic period (2020-2022), underweight prevalence increased among 8-year-old girls
- Study included 78,024 children from Bergen with data spanning 12 years
Limitations
The study is limited to children in Bergen, Norway, and may not be representative of other populations or countries with different socioeconomic conditions and healthcare systems. The document does not provide information about the underlying causes of underweight or factors that may have driven the pandemic-period increases.
Abstract
Aim This study examined age- and sex-specific prevalence and trends in underweight among Norwegian children and adolescents during the pre-pandemic period from 2010 to 2019 and COVID-19 pandemic period from 2020 to 2022. Methods Height and weight data from 78 024 children aged 2 to 13 years in Bergen from 2010 to 2022 were obtained from public health clinic and school health service records. Underweight grades 1 to 3 were defined using the International Obesity Task Force cut-offs. Age- and sex-specific prevalence was analysed longitudinally, and trends were assessed for boys and girls across age groups using regression analyses. Results Underweight was most prevalent among 2-year-olds and declined with increasing age, more in girls than boys. Among girls, the prevalence decreased from 19.3% at age 2 years to 6.2% at age 13 years, and among boys from 13.3% to 8.6%. The interaction between sex and age was statistically significant. During the pre-pandemic period, prevalence decreased significantly among 2-year-olds. During the pandemic period, increased prevalence of underweight was observed among 8-year-old girls. Conclusion Underweight remains a relevant public health concern, with clear age- and sex-specific patterns. These findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and targeted follow-up in early childhood.