Abstract Background/Objective In Wales, approximately one in eight 4-5 year olds are obese. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between childhood obesity and modifiable population level risk factors, after accounting for deprivation.
Methods
A review of the literature identified population level risk factors including: a healthy childcare setting; the local food environment; accessible open space, community safety and crime. Data for the risk factors were matched by each of the twenty-two Local Authorities in Wales to each child in the Wales Childhood Measurement Programme (2012-2017) (n= 129 893, mean age 5.0 years, standard deviation 0.4 years). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations with childhood obesity.
Results
After adjusting for deprivation, significant associations were found between childhood obesity and percentage of land available as accessible open space OR 0.981 (95% CI: 0.973 to 0.989) p<0.001) and density of fast food outlets OR 1.002 (95% CI: 1.001 to 1.004, p=0.001). No other population level risk factors were related to childhood obesity.
Conclusion
This cross-sectional study found a decreased odds of obesity in areas with more accessible open space and an increased odds of obesity in areas with a higher density of fast food outlets per 100,000 population. External funding details None.