Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between childhood obesity and quality of food consumed in schools and at home as well. The objectives of this study are to assess quality of school meals and home meals of children between the age 3 to 5 years old, and their obesity level. A cross sectional study conducted on one hundred and thirty children (3-6 years of age; 73 boys and 57 girls) of a private preschool in Jeddah city .Firstly we assessed children weights using anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, IBW/Age, IHT/Age). Secondly Schools meals were analyzed using the USD super tracker (food analysis program) and dietary intakes using both FFQs and 2-day food records to be filled by mothers. We also assessed motherâs knowledge, using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS program by applying one way ANOVA using the LSD test and univariate ANOVA test. Data have shown that the prevalence of normal weight, underweight and overweight of the subjects were 66.1%, 6.7% 26.3% respectively. Results showed a significant difference between normal weight student and overweight (p⥠0.001) and a significant difference between underweight student (p⥠0.001) and overweight student. Also, there was a significant difference between underweight student and normal weight student (p⥠0.001). School meal analysis results indicated that the total calories on breakfast are slightly low (23% of total requirement) but the total calories in lunch are slightly high (40% of total requirement) comparing to RDA. Protein content was at the normal range, whereas carbohydrates and saturated fat were at the higher level at lunch (>7%). Finally, responses from mothers on childâs home meals were zero. In conclusion, the current study showed that 27% of children were overweight, and meals did not meet the RDA with carbohydrate and fat and lack of interest with mothers to be involved in child nutrition. Such data suggests an increase in the awareness of nutrition and health to staff responsible of preparing meals at schools, teachers and mothers to prevent childhood obesity.
Highlights
Childhood obesity is a chronic disease that develops from cultural, genetic, and environmental factors related to poor habits and lifestyles adapted from home or from the school [1]
Results indicated that there is no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) according to classes (Table 2) and age groups (Table 3)
With regards to BMI categories, there was a significant difference between normal weight student and overweight (p≥ 0.001); there was a significant difference between underweight student (p≥ 0.001) and overweight student; there was a significant difference between underweight student and normal weight student (p≥ 0.001)
Summary
Childhood obesity is a chronic disease that develops from cultural, genetic, and environmental factors related to poor habits and lifestyles adapted from home or from the school [1]. It is a major public health problem and nutritional disorder in all developed countries and increasing in developing countries, such as Saudi Arabia [2]. Fat cells exist in the breasts, hips and thighs, while in men, it exists in the abdomen This explains why men tend to develop central obesity around the abdomen area which is known as (apple – shaped) where women develop lower body fat around the hip and thigh and is known as (pear – shaped) [5]. Obesity might lead to social consequences as well, such as discrimination at school and in social events [8]
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