Birth Weight and Obesity in Children in Indonesia: Evidence from Basic Health Research 2018

Abstract

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health issues of the twenty-first century. Obesity in children can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The aim of this study is to determine the association between birth weight and obesity in children, as well as the impact that residence has on this relationship. The 2018 Riset Kesehatan Dasar (or Basic Health Research), cross-sectional, Indonesian population survey with a nationwide representative sample, was subjected to secondary analysis. In 2018, parents of children aged 0 to 5 years (n = 71,925) provided height, weight, child's birth weight, and other basic characteristics. With LBW, there was a substantial rise in weight, BMI z-score, and the likelihood of pediatric obesity. LBW children from rural had higher BMI z-scores (mean + Standard Error (SE): 1.39 + 0.03) and higher odds of obesity (odds ratio (OR) (95 percent confidence interval (CI)): 7.45 (6.76 – 8.21)), than those from urban areas. Childhood obesity must be adequately prevented and addressed as soon as possible. Initiatives, policies, and goals are needed to reduce LBW prevalence. According to our findings, children born to LBW in rural areas should be treated as soon as possible with forceful intervention.