Weight status, body composition, and diet quality of Spanish schoolchildren according to their level of adherence to the 24-hour movement guidelines

Abstract

Introduction: moderate to vigorous physical activity, limiting sedentary behaviors, and getting adequate rest are lifestyle factors that help prevent overweight and obesity. However, there are few studies that relate all of these factors to weight status, body composition, and diet quality in school children. Objective: to assess the differences in anthropometric status and diet quality in a group of Spanish schoolchildren, according to their level of adherence to the 24-hour movement guidelines. Methods: a total of 367 schoolchildren aged 7-11 years were studied. Anthropometric, dietary, and movement patterns were collected. Subsequently, they were divided into three groups based on their adherence to the extant guidelines: low adherence (BA), medium adherence (AM) and high adherence (AA). Results: only 15 % of the schoolchildren met the guidelines. The percentage of overweight was higher in the BA group than in the AM and AA groups. The BA group also had a lower fibre intake; a lower contribution to the recommendations for vitamins B6, B12 and C, selenium and magnesium; and a higher intake of saturated fatty acids. The schoolchildren who did not meet screen time recommendations had a higher odds ratio for overweight/obesity (OR = 1.92 (1.10-3.36); p = 0.022). Conclusion: schoolchildren who adhere to 2 or more movement guideline recommendations had less overweight and a diet of better nutritional quality. Non-compliance with the screen time recommendation leads to a higher risk of overweight or obesity.