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The Challenges of Underweight and Overweight in South African Children: Are We Winning or Losing the Battle? A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Makama Andries Monyeki

    (Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation Focus Area (PhASRec)North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa)

  • Adedapo Awotidebe

    (Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation Focus Area (PhASRec)North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa)

  • Gert L. Strydom

    (Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation Focus Area (PhASRec)North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa)

  • J. Hans De Ridder

    (Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation Focus Area (PhASRec)North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa)

  • Ramoteme Lesly Mamabolo

    (Department of Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Han C. G. Kemper

    (VU University Medical Centre, Institute for Research in Health and Care (EMGO), 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Underweight and overweight are adverse effects of malnutrition and both are associated with negative health consequences in children and adolescents. In South Africa, the burden of economic and social disparity coexists with malnutrition in children. The purpose of this study was to review available South Africa studies regarding the comprehensive summary of prevalence of underweight and overweight and evaluates government policies in addressing undernutrition and overnutrition in South African children and adolescents. We searched subject-specific electronic bibliographic databases of observational studies published on malnutrition, undernutrition, overnutrition, underweight and overweight in South African boys and girls from birth to 20 years of age in studies published on or after 1990. A total of sixteen cross-sectional, three longitudinal studies and one report met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Descriptive data synthesis revealed the small number of longitudinal studies highlights the dearth of research in tracking undernutrition and overnutrition in South African children. In this review, 0.7%–66% of underweight was reported among children in rural areas compared to a 3.1%–32.4% of overweight in urban areas. All studies reported a higher rate of underweight in boys than girls who were significantly more likely to have higher body fat. The data indicated that both underweight and overweight were positively related with health-related physical activity and psychological health problems such as low activity, low fitness, low self-image and self-esteem. Numerous recommendations were made in the reviewed studies, however effective strategic programs in eradicating both underweight and overweight are minimal. It is evident from the reviewed studies that the burden of underweight and overweight are still a problem in South African children. The most highly affected by underweight are rural children, while children in urban areas in transition are faced with burden of overweight. There is little evidence to suggest that government strategic programs are effective in addressing underweight and overweight in South African children. Based on these findings, sustainable school-based feeding schemes and physical education programmes are needed for optimal benefits in children and adolescents.

Suggested Citation

  • Makama Andries Monyeki & Adedapo Awotidebe & Gert L. Strydom & J. Hans De Ridder & Ramoteme Lesly Mamabolo & Han C. G. Kemper, 2015. "The Challenges of Underweight and Overweight in South African Children: Are We Winning or Losing the Battle? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:2:p:1156-1173:d:44996
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Monica Ewomazino Akokuwebe & Erhabor Sunday Idemudia, 2021. "Multilevel Analysis of Urban–Rural Variations of Body Weights and Individual-Level Factors among Women of Childbearing Age in Nigeria and South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-30, December.
    2. Mere Idamokoro & Anita E. Pienaar & Barry Gerber & Maria M. van Gent, 2023. "The Influence of a 9-Week Movement Program on the Body Composition of 7- to 8-Year-Old Schoolchildren in the Eastern Cape of South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-19, January.
    3. Xonné Haywood & Anita Elizabeth Pienaar, 2021. "Long-Term Influences of Stunting, Being Underweight, and Thinness on the Academic Performance of Primary School Girls: The NW-CHILD Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-15, August.
    4. María López & Irene Alcoceba & María-José Castro & María-José Cao & Sara García & Manuel Frutos & José-María Jiménez, 2021. "Assessment of an Educational Intervention to Improve Healthy Life Habits in Children Living in Vulnerable Socioeconomic Conditions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-11, April.
    5. Perpetua Modjadji & Sphiwe Madiba, 2019. "Childhood Undernutrition and Its Predictors in a Rural Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-14, August.
    6. Charilaos Tsolakis & Evgenia D. Cherouveim & Apostolos Zacharias Skouras & Dimitrios Antonakis-Karamintzas & Cara Czvekus & Panagiotis Halvatsiotis & Olga Savvidou & Panagiotis Koulouvaris, 2022. "The Impact of Obesity on the Fitness Performance of School-Aged Children Living in Rural Areas—The West Attica Project," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-16, September.
    7. Sonja Klingberg & Catherine E. Draper & Lisa K. Micklesfield & Sara E. Benjamin-Neelon & Esther M. F. van Sluijs, 2019. "Childhood Obesity Prevention in Africa: A Systematic Review of Intervention Effectiveness and Implementation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-18, April.
    8. Danielle Dolley & Rosa Du Randt & Uwe Pühse & Markus Gerber & Jacob Bosma & Ann Aerts & Larissa Adams & Patricia Arnaiz & Nandi Joubert & Ivan Müller & Siphesihle Nqweniso & Harald Seelig & Peter Stei, 2023. "Relationship between Body Mass Index and Physical Activity among Children from Low-Income Communities in Gqeberha, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-11, January.

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