Overweight and obesity from childhood to adulthood: A follow-up of participants in the 1985 Australian Schools Health and Fitness Survey

Abstract

Objective: To examine overweight and obesity in Australian children followed through to adulthood. Design and participants: A cohort study of 8498 children aged 7-15 years who participated in the 1985 Australian Schools Health and Fitness Survey; of these, 2208 men and 2363 women completed a follow-up questionnaire at age 24-34 years in 2001-2005. Main outcome measures: Height and weight were measured in 1985, and self-reported at follow-up. The accuracy of self-reported data was checked in 1185 participants. Overweight and obesity in childhood were defined according to international standard definitions for body mass index (BMI), and, in adulthood, as a BMI of 25-29.9 and ≥ 30 kg/m 2, respe..