Physical activity is low in obese New Zealand children and adolescents

Yvonne C Anderson,Cameron C Grant,Wayne S Cutfield,Paul L Hofman,Joanna M Stewart,Cervantée E K Wild,Tami L Cave,Lisa E Wynter,José G B Derraik

doi:10.1038/srep41822

Abstract

We aimed to describe physical activity and sedentary behaviour of obese children and adolescents in Taranaki, New Zealand, and to determine how these differ in Māori (indigenous) versus non-indigenous children. Participants (n = 239; 45% Māori, 45% New Zealand European [NZE], 10% other ethnicities) aged 4.8–16.8 years enrolled in a community-based obesity programme from January 2012 to August 2014 who had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 98th percentile (n = 233) or >91st–98th percentile with weight-related comorbidities (n = 6) were assessed. Baseline activity levels were assessed using the children’s physical activity questionnaire (C-PAQ), a fitness test, and ≥3 days of accelerometer wear. Average BMI standard deviation score was 3.09 (SD = 0.60, range 1.52–5.34 SDS). Reported median daily activity was 80 minutes (IQR = 88). Although 44% of the cohort met the national recommended screen time of <2 hours per day, the mean screen time was longer at 165 minutes (SD = 135). Accelerometer data (n = 130) showed low physical activity time (median 34 minutes [IQR = 29]). Only 18.5% of the total cohort met national recommended physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes per day. There were minimal ethnic differences. In conclusion, obese children/adolescents in this cohort had low levels of physical activity. The vast majority are not meeting national physical activity recommendations.

Highlights

One of the key recommendations of the World Health Organization’s Report of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity is the promotion of physical activity[1]
Physical activity and screen time levels in overweight and obese New Zealand children referred to community-based intervention programmes have not been previously described, and there is a lack of information regarding potential differences between ethnic groups
Our key findings were that obese children and adolescents in this cohort had low levels of physical activity, and the vast majority were not meeting physical activity national recommendations

Summary

Introduction

One of the key recommendations of the World Health Organization’s Report of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity is the promotion of physical activity[1]. The New Zealand Health Survey 2014/2015, which showed that 11% of children aged 2–14 years were obese, found that 45% of 2–14-year-old children watched at least two hours of television per day[8]. This survey is likely to have underestimated total screen time as it only captured time spent watching television[8]. Physical activity and screen time levels in overweight and obese New Zealand children referred to community-based intervention programmes have not been previously described, and there is a lack of information regarding potential differences between ethnic groups. Our secondary objective was to determine whether these outcomes differed between indigenous and non-indigenous children and adolescents

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion