Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among children from primary schools in urban areas of Lomé, Togo

Dietary diversity and associated factors among school-aged children and adolescents in Lokossa district of southern Benin: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of dietary diversity and associated factors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Lokossa district, southern Benin.

PARTICIPANTS

A survey conducted in a probabilistic sample of 612 students (345 boys and 267 girls), aged 8-17 years old from 26 primary schools. Dietary Diversity Scores were calculated by summing the number of food groups consumed by the schoolchildren and adolescents over a 24-hour recall period. Adequate dietary diversity can be assigned to a consumption that is greater than or equal to five food groups, and inadequate dietary diversity can be assigned to a consumption that is lower than five food groups. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean and SD were computed. Statistical analysis was performed on the data to determine which variables were associated with dietary diversity as well as the results of the adjusted OR with a 95% CI. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The proportion of schoolchildren and adolescents with inadequate dietary diversity was 25.8% (95% CI 15.1% to 40.5%). Schoolchildren and adolescents living in rural areas, having low household socioeconomic status, eating breakfast less than 5 days per week and no eating school meals were significantly associated with inadequate dietary diversity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study revealed that the diet among schoolchildren and adolescents lacked diversity and is associated with socioeconomic status, rural living, eating breakfast and school meals. Public health interventions, such as school meal programmes in rural and isolated areas, in association with poverty-reducing programmes and nutrition education, are recommended to improve the quality of diet and limit the consequences of poor diet diversity.

No Changes in Body Composition and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet after a 12-Week Aerobic Training Intervention in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The EJERCITA-LES Study

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease linked to high cardiovascular risk. To reach an adequate body composition status while maintaining proper dietary habits are effective strategies for reducing cardiovascular risk, both being potentially modified through exercise. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week aerobic training intervention on anthropometry, body composition and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in women with SLE. A total of 58 women with SLE were assigned to either an exercise group (EG; n = 26) or a comparison group (CG; n = 32) in this non-randomized controlled trial. The EG comprised 12 weeks of aerobic exercise (two sessions/week) between 40-75% of the individual's heart rate reserve (calculated as maximum heart rate - resting heart rate) and the CG received usual care. At baseline and after the intervention, the anthropometry (i.e., weight, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index) and body composition (i.e., fat mass and lean mass) were assessed using a stadiometer, an anthropometric tape, and a bioimpedance device, respectively. Dietary habits were assessed with the Mediterranean Diet score. There were no between-group differences in neither anthropometric nor body composition parameters (all p > 0.05). Similarly, no between-group differences were obtained in the adherence to the Mediterranean diet after the exercise intervention (all p > 0.05). Contrary to the initial hypothesis, these results suggest that the 12-week aerobic training intervention performed in this study did not improve anthropometry, body composition or adherence to the Mediterranean diet in women with SLE.

Socio-economic determinants of healthy behaviours among primary schoolchildren and adolescents in Lokossa district of southern Benin

BACKGROUND

There is little information regarding fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and physical activity (PA) among schoolchildren in Benin. In this study we evaluated the differences in breakfast eating, FV consumption and PA according to socio-economic (SE) determinants in primary schoolchildren.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using a probabilistic sample of 612 students (8-17 y of age) from 26 primary schools was done between December 2018 and January 2019. The association was estimated by logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of all students, 53% were physically inactive, 60% took breakfast <5 d/week, 84% irregularly ate fruits and 68% irregularly ate vegetables. Younger students (8-10 y) take breakfast regularly and older ones (>15 y) were physically more active. The probability of regular breakfast and fruit consumption were significantly higher in children of educated parents (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively) compared with children of non-educated parents. Medium SE status was associated with regular breakfast intake, whereas high SE status was associated with higher fruit intake and lower physical activity compared with low SE status (p<0.001). There was no association between breakfast eating, FV intake, PA and the body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings emphasize the need for interventions to promote healthy eating behaviours in primary schoolchildren and their family environments.

Dietary diversity in primary schoolchildren of south-central Côte d'Ivoire and risk factors for non-communicable diseases

BACKGROUND

A balanced nutrition is important for children's physical and cognitive development; yet, remains a challenge in many parts of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Early detection of nutritional deficiency and metabolic syndrome in school-aged children is necessary to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in later life. This study aimed at obtaining baseline data on health, nutritional status, and metabolic markers of NCDs among primary schoolchildren in Côte d'Ivoire.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 620 children from 8 public primary schools located in the south-central part of Côte d'Ivoire. Underweight and overweight were defined as a body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) < 5th and 85th up to 95th percentile for sex and age, respectively. Dietary diversity of children was calculated based on a 24-hour recall conducted with the primary caretaker according to the guideline of Food and Agriculture Organization. Anaemia, malaria, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and blood glucose levels (HbA1c) were assessed, using capillary blood samples. Logistic models were performed to identify risk factors associated with overweight, HDL-C, LDL-C, and HbA1c.

RESULTS

Among the 620 children (330 girls, 290 boys; Mage 8.0 (± 1.7) years), 530 children attended school in a semi-urban and 90 in a rural area. Around 60% of children had a medium dietary diversity score (DDS). Children in peri-urban areas consumed more cereals (80.2% vs. 63.3%, p < 0.05). Most children were normal weight (n = 496), whereas 3.9% of children classified as prediabetic, 5% were underweight, and 15% overweight. LDL-C and HDL-C levels of children were associated with age, high DDS, and moderate anaemia. A significant association was found between prediabetes and malaria infection, as well as medium and high DDS. Overweight was associated with malaria infection and moderate anaemia.

CONCLUSION

Overweight, prediabetes, low HDL-C, malaria, and anaemia are the main concerns of children's health in Taabo. Our findings highlight interactions between infectious diseases, particularly malaria, and NCD risk factors. Monitoring NCD risk and infectious disease comorbidity in LMIC paediatric populations simultaneously is essential to better understand the dual diseases burden and apply early prevention measures.

Prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity among primary school children: a cross-sectional study in Thanhhoa City, Vietnam

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity among primary school children (6-11 years old) in Thanhhoa city in 2021.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Seven primary schools in Thanhhoa city, Vietnam.

PARTICIPANTS

782 children (and their parents).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Two-stage cluster random sampling was used for selecting children and data were collected from January to February 2021. A self-administrated questionnaire was designed for children and their parents. Children's height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-scores were computed using the WHO Anthro software V.1.0.4. Data were analysed using R software V.4.1.2. The associations between potential factors and childhood overweight/obesity were analysed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Variables were selected using the Bayesian Model Averaging method.

RESULTS

The prevalence of overweight/obesity among primary school children in Thanhhoa city was 35.93% (overweight 21.61% and obesity 14.32%). The proportion of overweight girls was nearly equal to that of boys (20.78% and 22.52%, respectively, p=0.6152) while the proportion of boys with obesity was four times as many as that of girls (23.86% and 5.62%, respectively, p<0.0001). Child's sex was the factor significantly associated with childhood overweight/obesity. Boys had double the risk of being overweight/obese than girls (adjusted OR: aOR=2.48, p<0.0001). Other potential factors which may be associated with childhood overweight/obesity included mode of transport to school, the people living with the child, mother's occupation, father's education, eating confectionery, the total time of doing sports, and sedentary activities.

CONCLUSION

One in every three primary school children in Thanhhoa city were either overweight or obese. Parents, teachers and policy-makers can implement interventions in the aforementioned factors to reduce the rate of childhood obesity. In forthcoming years, longitudinal studies should be conducted to determine the causal relationships between potential factors and childhood overweight/obesity.

Dietary diversity score and cardio-metabolic risk factors: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Dietary diversity score (DDS) has been known as a useful and convenient indicator of overall diet quality. Previous studies have reported the association between DDS and health problems such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between dietary diversity score (DDS) and cardio-metabolic risk factors such as obesity and overweight, lipid profile, blood pressure, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes.

DATA SOURCES

We systematically searched PubMed and NLM Gateway, Scopus and Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) by up to October 2019.

DATA EXTRACTION

All observational studies which assessed the association of DDS with cardio-metabolic risk factors including anthropometric measures, blood pressure, lipid profile, glycemic indices and MetS without limitation in time of publication and language were included and critically reviewed by two independent experts. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the effect sizes.

DATA ANALYSIS

Among 843 documents retrieved from literature search, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria for systematic review, and 18 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Random-effects meta-analysis showed that the association of DDS with obesity, abdominal obesity, overweight, body mass index, MetS, diabetes, blood pressure, and lipid profile (TC, LDL, HDL) was not statistically significant. On the other hand, the association of DDS and TG was statistically significant (SMD: - 0.23, 95% CI - 0.45, - 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed that there was no significant association between DDS and cardio-metabolic risk factors. Reassessment of the overall DDS tool as a criterion of diet quality and production of new and valid DDS standard tools is highly desirable. More high-quality studies are also needed to confirm the findings of this study.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42020157127.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Undernutrition and associated factors in primary schoolchildren in Lokossa, Benin: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

to estimate the prevalence of stunting and thinness and sociodemographic, household, family, dietary, and scholar associated factors in schoolchildren living in Lokossa-Benin.

METHODS

a survey conducted in a probabilistic sample (n=615) of primary schoolchildren (8-17 years), from 12/2018 to 01/2019, using structured questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall. Thinness and stunting were defined as Height-for-age and Body Mass Index-for-age below-2 standard deviations, respectively. Associations were estimated by chi-square test and logistic regression.

RESULTS

thinness and stunting prevalence was 13.1% (95%CI:9.0-18.7) and 25.5% (95%CI:20.6-31.2), respectively. Odds of thinness were higher among older schoolchildren and those who experienced hunger at school. Odds of stunting increased with age, low diet diversity, experiencing hunger at school, and having school meal five days a week (OR:2.09; 95%CI:1.29-3.36).

CONCLUSIONS

stunting was the most common problem. Older schoolchildren and those with food deprivation or poor diet diversity were the most affected.

Breakfast preferences and consumption location among children at a median age of 7 in Shenzhen: Implications for managing overweight and obesity

BACKGROUND

Breakfast is commonly described as the most important meal of the day; however, we have little information regarding its relevance for childhood overweight and obesity in southern mainland China. This study aimed to assess the association between breakfast preferences, consumption location and overweight and obesity for children in Shenzhen.

METHODS

Among 6126 children (median age 7.2 years) at primary schools, 3504 were finally included after a questionnaire survey and physical examination. Ten commonly consumed foods/beverages for breakfast in southern China were exposure variables, and consumption location, total energy demographic and other dietary characteristics were covariates in logistic regression to determine the effect of breakfast preferences on overweight and obesity, estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Probability of overweight/general obesity was inversely associated with children eating plain congee for breakfast (adjusted OR 0.689, 95% CI 0.566-0.838), restricted to boys after stratification. Probability of overweight/general obesity and central obesity was positively associated with usually eating steamed rice roll for breakfast (OR 1.309, 95% CI 1.090-1.571 and OR 1.351, 95% CI 1.064-1.717, respectively), but the effect on overweight/obesity remained statistically significant for only boys after stratification. Eating steamed rice roll for breakfast and eating out for breakfast had an additive interaction on overweight/obesity. Additionally, eating bread for breakfast had a mild favorable effect on overweight/obesity but only for girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Keeping a healthy weight might benefit children who eat plain congee or bread for breakfast in China. However, frequent consumption of steamed rice roll for breakfast and especially eating out could contribute to overweight and obesity. Thus, we need to promote a healthier breakfast pattern among children in southern China to reduce the odds of obesity.

Prevalence, incidence, and trends of childhood overweight/obesity in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic scoping review

BACKGROUND

The growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NDC), particularly in low-and middle-income countries, poses a significant threat to global health. Obesity and overweight constitute major risk factors of NCDs such as heart diseases, diabetes, and kidney disease, and as a result, contribute significantly to the development of chronic morbidities, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of premature death. This study described evidence on the prevalence, incidence, and trends of childhood overweight and obesity in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic scoping review employing the Arksey and O'Malley framework, Levac et al. recommendations, and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. To obtain relevant published articles for this review, we performed a comprehensive keywords search in PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and CINAHL via EBSCOhost platform for studies published between 2009 and June 2019. Guided by the eligibility criteria, title and abstracts, as well as the full-text articles were independently screened in parallel by two investigators. All relevant data were independently extracted by two investigators using a piloted form designed in Microsoft and thematic analysis conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 81 included studies obtained from 250,148 potentially eligible articles, the majority (25) conducted in South Africa followed by 18 in Nigeria. Six studies were conducted in Ethiopia (6), Tanzania (5), Kenya (4), Cameroon (4), Ghana (3), Uganda (2), Mozambique (2), and Sudan (2). One study each was conducted in Botswana, Gambia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Seychelles, Togo, and Zimbabwe. The remaining three articles were multi-country studies. Most (81.5%) of the included studies were cross-sectional surveys and the majority (79) focused on both male and female participants. The majority (80/81) of the included studies reported on the prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity, 8 on the trends of childhood overweight/obesity, and one presented evidence on the incidence of childhood overweight and obesity in SSA.

CONCLUSION

This review demonstrates limited studies on childhood overweight/obesity in most SSA countries although the included studies suggest an increasing burden. Considering the consequences of childhood obesity, there is a need for more primary researches to inform policies decision and implementation to halt the rise of childhood obesity/overweight in SSA.

Overnutrition and Associated Factors: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study between Government and Private Primary School Students in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Introduction

Childhood overnutrition is a public health problem in low- and middle-income countries because its effect is likely to progress into adulthood that results in developing noncommunicable diseases at a younger age. There is no such previous comparative study that investigated this issue. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and associated factors of overnutrition among government and private primary school students in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March 5 to April 9, 2019. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 736 participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interview. Data was entered into EPI-info version 7.2.1.0 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were carried out to identify associated factors with overnutrition. Statistical significance was declared using p value< 0.05.

Results

The overall prevalence of overnutrition was 9.1%. The prevalence was higher among private schools (51 (14%)) than government (16 (4.3%)). Eating habit while watching television (AOR = 4.08, 95%CI: 1.10–15.16) and not having close friend (AOR = 3.72, 95%: CI: 1.21–2 11.48) were significantly associated with overnutrition in the government schools, while no father education (AOR = 2.59, 95%:CI:1.05–6.39), sweet food preference (AOR = 2.86, 95%:1.19–6.87), fat consumption more than three days per week (AOR = 3.79, 95%CI:1.61–8.91), eating habit while reading (AOR = 4.95, 95%CI:2.29–10.70), and vigorous-intensity sports (AOR = 2.23, 95%:1.02–4.86) were associated with overnutrition in private schools.

Conclusion

Prevalence of overnutrition was higher among private than government schools. Hence, it requires attention through creating awareness about healthy diet, healthy lifestyle, and physical activity in collaboration with health and education sectors.

Contribution of Home and School Environment in Children's Food Choice and Overweight/Obesity Prevalence in African Context: Evidence for Creating Enabling Healthful Food Environment

This review aimed primarily to investigate the current trends of overweight and obesity in school children in the African context, secondly to explore the contribution of home and school environments on the children’s food choices and lastly suggesting measures for creating a healthier food environment. Despite the increase in overweight and obesity among school children, empirical evidence on their determinants in the African context is scarce, thus calls for consideration of home and school environments. A literature search was conducted between October and December 2018 using Medline (PubMed), Directory of Open Access Journals, Google Scholar, manual search and “grey” literature. This review included articles published between the 1st January 2008 and 30th June 2018. Out of 343 articles, 49 were included for the full text reading after meeting the inclusion criteria. Five reports from grey literature were also included. Results show that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school children in Africa is increasing and ranges from <5% to >40% in the 10-year period in which the review was taken. High socio-economic status, urban residence and female gender predicted higher prevalence of overweight/obesity. Few reviewed articles on the contribution of home and school environments on children’s food choices showed a shred of evidence, thus calls for further research to address this gap. This review found an increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in school children in Africa. Therefore, further investigation of home and school environment is imperative to curb the increase in the magnitude of overweight and obesity.

Risk factors and morbidities associated with childhood obesity in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic scoping review

BACKGROUND

The rising burden of childhood obesity is a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where most health systems are weak and least prepared for complications that may arise. While the need for preventive action is increasingly recognized, policy implementation within the sub-region has often been inadequate, non-systematic, and ad hoc. This study described evidence on the risk factors and morbidities associated with childhood obesity in SSA.

METHODS

Guided by the Arksey and O'Malley framework incorporating the Levac et al. recommendations, and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, we conducted a scoping study to address the research question. Thorough keywords systematic search was conducted for potentially eligible articles in PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and CINAHL published between 2009 and June 2019. Articles obtained were screened independently by two investigators at the abstract and full text phases using the eligibility criteria. All relevant data were extracted by two investigators in parallel and thematic analysis conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 337,229 articles were obtained from the database search of which 68 satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included for data extraction. These 68 included studies were conducted in 19 countries with the majority, 27.9% (19/68) from South Africa followed by Nigeria with 20.6% (14/68). Six of the included studies were conducted in Ethiopia, 5 studies in Kenya, 4 studies each in Tanzania and Cameroon, and 2 studies each in Ghana, Uganda, and Sudan. Of the 68 included studies, one each was conducted in Botswana, Gambia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Togo, and Zimbabwe. Most (80.9%) of the included studies were cross-sectional, and only one was an intervention trial. Of the 68 included studies, 53 reported on risk factors, 12 reported on morbidities, and 3 reported both risk factors and morbidities. We found no evidence in almost 60% (28/47) of countries included in the World Health Organisation Africa region.

CONCLUSION

This review findings suggest a paucity of literature on the risk factors of childhood obesity and morbidities in most SSA countries. Hence, there is the need to intensify research efforts, especially experimental study designs using innovative strategies to promote healthy lifestyle choices that will prevent or minimize the risks and health consequences of childhood obesity in SSA.

Nutritional status, physical activity and associated nutrition knowledge of primary school learners

BACKGROUND

Nutrition education has the potential to improve eating habits, physical activity and nutritional status of schoolchildren.

AIM

This study aimed to determine the nutritional status, physical activity levels and the associated nutrition knowledge of primary school learners aged 9-14 years in Harare, Zimbabwe.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among learners (n = 368) from eight primary schools. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, nutrition knowledge and physical activity data. The weights and heights were measured using World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Pearson chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess association between categorical variables. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the determinants of wasting and overweight. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Overweight, wasting and stunting affected 25.8%, 6.3% and 3% of the learners, respectively. Only 52.7% of the learners achieved the WHO recommended 60 minutes of physical activity. The mean±standard deviation nutrition knowledge score of the learners was 70.3±10.9%. Stunted children were more likely to be wasted (odds ratio (OR) = 4.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-17.8; p = 0.039). Inadequate dietary diversity score (OR = 0.44; 95% CI 0.22-0.87; p = 0.018) and using non-active forms of transportation (OR = 2.69; 95% CI 1.52-4.76; p = 0.001) were a significant predictor of overweight among the learners.

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight was the leading form of malnutrition, coexisting with undernutrition, reflecting the presence of a 'double burden of malnutrition'. Therefore, comprehensive and multi-sectoral interventions to improve healthy eating and physical activity are warranted.

Epidemiology, Predisposing Factors, Biomarkers, and Prevention Mechanism of Obesity: A Systematic Review

Background. Globally, obesity is becoming a public health problem in the general population. Various determinants were reported by different scholars even though there are inconsistencies. Different biomarkers of obesity were identified for the prediction of obesity. Even though researchers speculate the factors, biomarkers, consequences, and prevention mechanisms, there is a lack of aggregate and purified data in the area of obesity. Summary. In this review, the epidemiology, predisposing factors, biomarkers, consequences, and prevention approaches of obesity were reviewed. Key Messages. The epidemiology of obesity increased in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Even if the factors vary across regions and socioeconomic levels, sociodemographic, behavioral, and genetic factors were prominent for the development of obesity. There are a lot of biomarkers for obesity, of which microRNA, adipocytes, oxidative stress, blood cell profile, nutrients, and microbiota were promising biomarkers for determination of occurrence of obesity. Since the consequences of obesity are vast and interrelated, multidimensional prevention strategy is mandatory in all nations.

The double burden of malnutrition in a rural health and demographic surveillance system site in South Africa: a study of primary schoolchildren and their mothers

BACKGROUND

In South Africa, the occurrence of the double burden of malnutrition is on the rise at a household level predisposing children and their mothers to negative health outcomes. However, few studies have been conducted at a household level. Therefore, we studied a double burden of malnutrition using child-mother pairs in a rural setting.

METHODS

A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among 508 child-mother pairs selected from primary schools using a multistage sampling in a rural Dikgale Health and Demographic Site in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Anthropometric measurements of children and mothers, and socio-demographic data were collected. WHO AnthroPlus was used to generate body-mass-index z-scores of children and the BMI was used to indicate overweight and obesity among the mothers. Mann Whitney test was used to compare the means of variables between sexes and age groups, while the prevalence of thinness and overweight/obesity were compared using a chi-square. Multivariate logistic regression with a stepwise backward elimination procedure, controlling for confounding, was used to determine the association between the thinness and overweight/obesity and the covariates.

RESULTS

Twenty five percent (25%) of the children were thin, 4% were overweight and 1% obese, while mothers were overweight (27.4%) and 42.3% obesity (42.3%) were observed among the mothers. The odds of being thin were higher in boys than in girls (AOR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.01-2.35). Overweight/obese mothers were more likely to have thin children (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.01-2.18) and less likely to have overweight/obese children (AOR = 0.18, 95%CI: 0.07-0.46).

CONCLUSION

A double burden of malnutrition was observed on a household level with thinness among children and overweight/obesity among mothers. A need to address the dual problems of undernutrition and rapidly rising trends of overweight/obesity cannot be over-emphasized.