Tom Reilly

1
Obesity in Liverpool Dr. Lynne Boddy, Research
Officer L.M.Boddy_at_ljmu.ac.uk
2
Background

• Obesity and overweight are conditions that are
  strongly associated with chronic disease and
  illness including
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Type II diabetes
• Poor self image
• Paediatric obesity is of particular concern
• Relationship between childhood obesity and
  morbidity and mortality in adulthood (Srinivasan
  et al., 1996 Wabitsch, 2000).
• A very high proportion of obese children progress
  to become obese adults (Freedman et al., 2004
  Gutin et al., 2005 Wedderkopp et al., 2004).

• As a result, obesity is one of the most pressing
  public health concerns facing society today
  (Fulton et al., 2001 Gutin et al., 2005).

3
Background

• Liverpool has been proactive in addressing
  childhood obesity in the city.

4
SportsLinx Data

• Up to 2007-2008, a total of 48,754 children have
  been through the SportsLinx fitness fun days
  since 1998-1999.
• 35,524 9-10 year old children.
• 13,230 11-12 year old children.
• Data collected annually

5
Obesity Overweight in Liverpool 9-10 year
olds, 1998-2008
Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight 1998-2008
using the Cole et al. (2000) obesity definition
Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight 1998-2008
according to the Chinn and Rona (2004) obesity
definition
6
Change in BMI z-score from 1998-1999 baseline
over time Boys and Girls
Boddy et al., 2009
7
Change in BMI Z-score 2004-2008, controlling for
IMD (home postcode)
8
Prevalence of Obesity plus overweight adjusted
and unadjusted prevalence (IMD, 20mMST)
9
SportsLinx and NCMP
10
Skinfolds
Similar trends to BMI.
11
Other SportsLinx Research

• We know the prevalence of obesity has changed and
  seems to be stabilising.
• But what is related to obesity in Liverpool
  schoolchildren?
• Other SportsLinx analyses have described
• Skipping breakfast is related to obesity.
• Sugar-sweetened drinks consumption does not
  appear to be related to obesity.
• Lack of participation in sport is related to
  obesity
• Sedentary behaviours are not consistently related
  to obesity
• The links between IMD and obesity are unclear

12
Summary

• Obesity has increased since 1998.
• But, obesity seems to have stabilised in
  Liverpool
• Measured by BMI and skinfolds.
• IMD appears to have a small impact on obesity in
  Liverpool.
• But an important variable to include in analyses.
• Maturation should be included where possible.
• Obesity and fitness are influenced by a multitude
  of variables.
• Therefore obesity is a complex problem requiring
  a multi-faceted response.
• Hence GOALS.
• Born out of the SLNX evidence base.
• SportsLinx referral mechanism.

13
Overview Future Developments

• It appears that the cumulative effort in
  Liverpool is having some impact on obesity in
  children.
• Despite positive impact obesity remains a
  significant problem.
• Higher than the national average according to
  NCMP
• Therefore we need well-informed preventive and
  weight management programmes.
• SportsLinx future developments
• bioelectrical-impedance analysis
• Y6 piloting and laboratory follow up studies

14
Many thanks for your time.

• L.M.Boddy_at_ljmu.ac.uk