Trends of Overweight and Obesity Among Chinese Rural Children and Adolescents Aged 6 to 15 Years — the Central and Western Regions, China, 2012–2023

What is already known about this topic? Childhood overweight and obesity pose significant risks to physical and mental health. The Nutrition Improvement Programme for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing malnutrition. What is added by this report? From 2012 to 2023, obesity prevalence increased more rapidly (AAPC=10.6%) than overweight prevalence (AAPC=2.0%) among children aged 6–15 years in central and western rural China. A quicker increase in the trends of overweight and obesity was observed in rural western China (AAPC for overweight=3.0%, AAPC for obesity=11.8%), among males (AAPC for overweight=2.1%, AAPC for obesity=10.8%). Additionally, while the prevalence of overweight/obesity was lower in older age groups of children, these cohorts showed more rapid increases. What are the implications for public health practice? Continuous monitoring of prevalence and implementation of targeted interventions are essential to prevent and control the expansion of overweight and obesity.