Eating Patterns in Children, an Issue for Future Health Policy

Abstract

Background: Obesity and overweight have increased prevalence in children during the last decades all over the world. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight/obesity through the 12-18 year old schoolchildren in Brasov district and to describe eating patterns and the possible relationship between overweight/obesity and eating pattern. Material and Method: There were recruted 250 children for a cross-sectional study in Brasov district, Romania. Alimentary habit, snaking, meal frequencies were declared by the subjects using a retrospective questionnaire. Parents were asked to give information about family history regarding the presence of cardio-vascular risk factors. There were measured weight and height for all children and it was calculated body mass index calculated using international standard cutoff points (International Obesity Task Force values). It was also evaluated the level of phisical activityfor each children. Results: Positive family hystory for cardio-vascular risk factor, eating pattern and physical activity were associated with overweight. Healthy eating pattern including fresh fruits and vegetables loses ground in favour of fast-food as the age increases. Conclusions: The main finding was that, eating pattern in schoolchildren should worry both parents and school authorities. The family influence on children̓s eating pattern decreases as the age grow, the busy school program determine lack of phisical activities and failure of and the healthy alimentation. The prevalence of overweight was high and connected with dietary behaviour, independent associations were evident between eating patterns and overweight, indicating the need of the need for a common intervention on nutrition both from the family and from the educators.