Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity and Its Associated Factors among Preschool Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Overweight and obesity among preschool children have become significant public health concerns in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), driven by rapid urbanization, economic growth, and dietary shifts. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its associated factors among preschool children in sub-Saharan Africa. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed and gray literature was conducted up to January 29, 2025, using databases such as MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Research4Life, and African Journals Online (AJOL). The study followed PRISMA guidelines. Due to significant heterogeneity (I 2 = 99.4%, p<0.001) identified through Cochran’s Q statistic, a random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence. Publication bias was assessed with funnel plots and Egger’s test. A total of 27 studies (n=30,805) were included; 77.78% of studies showed a low risk of bias per the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal tool. The pooled prevalence of overweight/obesity was 14.77% (95% CI: 11.94%, 17.60%). Key factors associated with overweight/obesity included being aged 2–3 years (OR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.73, 4.05) and 48–60 months (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.33, 2.98), spending over two hours on screen activities (OR = 3.33; 95% CI: 1.89, 5.84), consuming sweet foods (OR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.86, 3.48), and having an overweight mother (OR = 3.72; 95% CI: 1.30, 10.65). Given the high prevalence, interventions should focus on promoting healthy diets, reducing screen time, encouraging physical activity, and supporting maternal health and nutrition. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024560996).