Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism
Factors Associated With Overweight and Obesity Among Adolescents in South Asia: A Narrative Review of Recent Evidence
By Siddiquee T, Bhowmik B, Moreira NCDV and 10 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Adolescent overweight and obesity are increasing across South Asia, contributing to diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases. Previous reviews have examined prevalence and selected associated factors, but evidence remains heterogeneous across countries, populations and adiposity definitions. This narrative review synthesised recent evidence on prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among South Asian adolescents.
Methods
We conducted a structured narrative review reported in accordance with the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles. PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed studies published from January 2015 to March 2025, supplemented by targeted searches through August 2026. Studies of adolescents aged 10-19 years and predominantly adolescent populations with overlapping age ranges were considered. Primary studies and evidence syntheses were analysed separately. Methodological quality was evaluated using design-appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists, and findings were synthesised narratively.