Obesity In Primary School Children Research Articles

Decreasing Sedentary Time during Lessons Reduces Obesity in Primary School Children: The Active Movement Study

Introduction: School-based exercise interventions targeted at reducing obesity are often successful in the short term, but they are resource-heavy and do not always lead to long-lasting behaviour changes. This study investigated the effect of reducing sedentary time, rather than increasing exercise, on physical activity (PA) behaviours and obesity in primary school children. Methods: Thirty UK state primary schools participated in this cluster-controlled intervention study (IDACI score = 0.15 ± 0.07, free school meals = 26 ± 9%). Twenty-six intervention and 4 control schools (intervention = 3,529, control = 308 children) completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) in terms 1 and 3. Three intervention and 3 control schools (intervention = 219, control = 152 children) also measured waist-to-height ratio (WTHR). The Active Movement Intervention is a school-based programme which integrates non-sedentary behaviours such as standing and walking in the classroom. Data were analysed via ANCOVAs and multiple linear regressions. Results: WTHR was reduced by 8% in the intervention group only (F(2, 285) = 11.387, p < 0.001), and sport participation increased by 10% in the intervention group only (F(1, 232) = 6.982, p = 0.008). Other PAQ-C measures increased significantly in the intervention group, but there was no group*time interaction. Changes in PAQ-C did not predict reductions in WTHR. Instead, the amount of change in WTHR was predicted by intervention group and by baseline WTHR of the pupil, where children with higher baseline WTHR showed greater reductions (F(2, 365) = 77.21, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.30). Socio-economic status (SES), age, or gender did not mediate any of the changes in the PAQ-C or WTHR. Conclusion: Reducing sedentary behaviours during school time can be an effective obesity reduction strategy for primary school children who are overweight. The lack of demographic effects suggests that this method can be effective regardless of the school’s SES, pupil age, or gender.

Relationship between body mass index, fundamental movement skills, and quality of life in primary school children

Background: Obesity in children is a serious public health problem, affecting their physical health and quality of life. Fundamental movement skills (FMS) have been suggested to play an important role in reducing the risk of obesity in primary school children and improving their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), FMS, and HRQoL in primary school children. Methods: 193 primary school children (81 boys, 112 girls) aged 6 to 8 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Weight and height, FMS, and HRQoL were measured using BMI percentiles, the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD-2) including the object control, locomotor subtests and the total gross motor quotient, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQLTM) respectively. Results: There was a negative significant correlation between BMI and gross motor quotient, and between BMI and the locomotor subscale of the TGMD. There was also a negative significant correlation between BMI and the PedsQL scale. There was a positive significant correlation between TGMD and PedsQoL scales. According to linear regression analysis, BMI significantly predicted TGMD gross motor quotient and PedsQL total score. In addition, the TGMD gross motor quotient significantly predicted the total PedsQL score. Conclusion: Mastery of FMS might be an important factor in avoiding obesity and improving HRQoL in primary school children.

Gross motor coordination and physical fitness in overweight and obese primary school children compared with normal weight peers

The epidemic of childhood obesity, the decline in the level of motor competence and health-related fitness, and simultaneously the increase in physical inactivity have been the subject of global professional and scientific discourse in the last two decades. This study is focused on the analysis of the level of gross motor coordination and physical fitness in primary school children in terms of their weight status. Data were collected from 219 primary school children (50.68% girls) with an average age of 9.48 years (SD = 0.47 years). Gross motor coordination was assessed with the KTK test. The children's physical fitness was assessed using six items of the Eurofit test. The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was assessed based on the international childhood BMI cut-offs suggested by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). Differences in the examined motor indicators between overweight/obese children and normal weight children were evaluated using independent samples t-test. Pearson correlations were performed to explore the associations between motor coordination indicators and BMI. The results of this study revealed overweight or obesity in more than one fifth of the participants (25.2% of girls and 21.3% of boys). Our study provides evidence that excessive body weight is negatively reflected both in gross motor coordination and in a worse physical fitness profile of children. Weak to moderate inverse correlations (−0.17 ≤ r ≤ −0.39) were found between most of the gross motor coordination, physical fitness parameters and BMI, for both sexes. Considering the role of gross motor coordination and health-related fitness in the mechanism of shaping children's active lifestyle, early detection and intervention is necessary, especially in children with excessive body weight.

School and child participation rates in COSI-Ireland, pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) is a World Health Organisation (WHO) project established in 2008 to routinely measure trends in overweight and obesity among primary school children in over 40 European countries. This study compares school and child participation rates for COSI-Ireland Round 6 (R6), conducted October 2022 - March 2023, to Round 5 (R5), conducted in 2018, pre-COVID-19. Methods Sentinel schools (n = 187) invited to partake in all previous Irish COSI rounds were again invited by letter and follow-up telephone calls to participate in R6. These schools remain a representative sample of all primary schools in Ireland, including DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) schools. Consent was obtained at three levels: school, parent, and child. Parents of children in one randomly selected class of 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th classes of each consenting school were invited to participate by letter. Verbal assent was obtained from each child with parental consent before being measured. Results School participation in R6 decreased slightly compared to R5; 65% (n = 121/187) and 73% (n = 135/185), respectively. In total, 79% (n = 33/42) of DEIS schools consented to partake in R6, substantially higher than non-DEIS school participation of 61% (n = 88/145). The R6 DEIS school response rate was also similar to R5 (81%; n = 21/26), despite an increase in the number of DEIS schools following reclassification in 2022. The examination rate of the total cohort in R6 was 55.5% (n = 5,180/9,337), in line with R5 (57.6%). The number of children examined was similar across classes, with slightly more girls (54%) than boys (46%). Conclusions Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 in conducting this research, COSI-Ireland R6 school participation was well preserved, notably in DEIS schools, demonstrating their commitment to equity in obesity trends. Child examination rates were also remarkably well-maintained relative to the preceding pre-pandemic round. Key messages • COSI-Ireland R6 findings will allow for continued monitoring of obesity in primary school children and inter-European country comparison. • COSI-Ireland R6 findings will inform programme planning and evaluation to address childhood overweight and obesity.

Investigation of Some Factors Affecting Obesity in Primary School Children: The Case of Istanbul

Amaç: Çocukluk çağında obezite tüm dünyada artmaktadır. Bu çalışma ilköğretim çağındaki çocuklarda obezite üzerinde etkili olan bazı faktörlerin araştırılması amacıyla yapılmıştır.Yöntem: Çalışma İstanbul'da iki farklı okulda 621 ilköğretim öğrencisi üzerinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çocuklar 7-15 yaş grubunda olup rastgele örneklem yöntemi ile seçilmiştir. Çocuklara demografik özellikler, beslenme ve fiziksel aktivite ile ilgili sorulardan oluşan bir anket uygulanmış olup, bazı antropometrik ölçümleri alınmıştır. Çocukların Beden Kütle Indeksi (BKİ) değerleri Türk çocuklarının persentillerine göre sınıflandırılmıştır. Veriler SPSS 13.0 programı ile değerlendirilmiştir.Bulgular: Öğrencilerin %47,5’i kız, %52,5’i erkektir. BKİ sınıflandırmasında öğrencilerin %11,8'i obez bulunmuştur. Özel okuldaki öğrencilerde obezite prevalansı %17,3 devlet okulundaki öğrencilerde %6,6’dır (p&amp;lt;0,05). Üniversite mezunu anne ve babaların çocuklarında, aile birey sayısı üç kişi olanlarda obezite oranı daha fazladır (p&amp;lt;0,05). Beslenme alışkanlıklarına göre düzenli akşam yemeği tüketmeyenlerde ve sevinçli/mutlu olduğunda iştah değişimi olmayanlarda daha fazla obezite oranı görülmüştür (p&amp;lt;0,05). Ayrıca, okula özel araba ile giden öğrencilerin obezite oranı en fazladır (%18,2; p&amp;lt; 0,05).Sonuç: Çalışma sonucunda çocuklarda obezite oranı yüksek eğitim düzeyine sahip anne ve babaların çocuklarında, özel okula giden çocuklarda ve üç kişilik ailelerde yaşayanlarda daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Çocuklarda obezite gelişimini önlemek için okullarda düzenli olarak antropometrik ölçümlerin alınması, öğrencilere ve ebeveynlere sağlıklı beslenmeye yönelik eğitimlerin verilmesi faydalı olabilir.

Socio-economic inequalities in child growth: Identifying orientation and forward-looking layout

Socio-economic inequalities in child growth: Identifying orientation and forward-looking layout

Effectiveness of a Multifaceted Intervention for Prevention of Obesity in Primary School Children in China

A rapid nutritional transition has caused greater childhood obesity prevalence in many countries, but the repertoire of effective preventive interventions remains limited. To determine the effectiveness of a novel multifaceted intervention for obesity prevention in primary school children. A cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted during a single school year (from September 11, 2018, to June 30, 2019) across 3 socioeconomically distinct regions in China according to a prespecified trial protocol. Twenty-four schools were randomly allocated (1:1) to the intervention or the control group, with 1392 eligible children aged 8 to 10 years participating. Data from the intent-to-treat population were analyzed from October 1 to December 31, 2019. A multifaceted intervention targeted both children (promoting healthy diet and physical activity) and their environment (engaging schools and families to support children's behavioral changes). The intervention was novel in its strengthening of family involvement with the assistance of a smartphone app. The control schools engaged in their usual practices. The primary outcome was the change in body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in square meters) from baseline to the end of the trial. Secondary outcomes included changes in adiposity outcomes (eg, BMI z score, prevalence of obesity), blood pressure, physical activity and dietary behaviors, obesity-related knowledge, and physical fitness. Generalized linear mixed models were used in the analyses. Among the 1392 participants (mean [SD] age, 9.6 [0.4] years; 717 boys [51.5%]; mean [SD] BMI, 18.6 [3.7]), 1362 (97.8%) with follow-up data were included in the analyses. From baseline to the end of the trial, the mean BMI decreased in the intervention group, whereas it increased in the control group; the mean between-group difference in BMI change was -0.46 (95% CI, -0.67 to -0.25; P < .001), which showed no evidence of difference across different regions, sexes, maternal education levels, and primary caregivers (parents vs nonparents). The prevalence of obesity decreased by 27.0% of the baseline figure (a relative decrease) in the intervention group, compared with 5.6% in the control group. The intervention also improved other adiposity outcomes, dietary, sedentary, and physical activity behaviors, and obesity-related knowledge, but it did not change moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, physical fitness, or blood pressure. No adverse events were observed during the intervention. The multifaceted intervention effectively reduced the mean BMI and obesity prevalence in primary school children across socioeconomically distinct regions in China, suggesting its potential for national scaling. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03665857.

The Moderating Effect of Parental Feeding Style in Relation to Familial Psychosocial Risk Factors and Childhood Obesity

Background: The prevalence of obesity in children is increasing in the world and it has become one of the major health problems. Parents are the first people who have the opportunity to shape child's eating experiences and habits, including food preferences, attitudes, and eating patterns. This study was conducted to determine the moderating role of parental feeding styles in relation to family psychosocial and social risk factors and childhood obesity in primary school children in 2018-2019 academic year in Shiraz, Iran. Methods: In this study, 298 children aged 6 to 11 years from primary schools in Shiraz were selected using multistage cluster sampling method. Their parents completed the stress-anxiety-depression scale tool and parenting feeding styles questionnaire. The data were analyzed using simultaneous multiple regression analysis, cluster analysis, and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results showed that there was a statistically significant correlation between the identified risk factors and child's body mass index (BMI), as well as the variable effect of feeding styles on the child's BMI. The interaction of risk factors on feeding styles indicated that the effect of adjusting feeding styles on childhood obesity was significant due to risk factors. Conclusion: These findings support the moderating role of parental feeding styles in the development or prevention of childhood obesity.

Analysis of the Relationship between Nutritional Influence with the Obesity Phenomenon among Primary School Students in Banda Aceh, Aceh Province, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity in children has reached the limit of the pandemic number. Obesity has become a major public health problem in Indonesia due to increasing prevalence. Aceh Province has a prevalence of obesity in children 6–14 years at 5.9% in 2013 and increased to 9.5% in 2017.&#x0D; AIM: Analyzing the effect of fiber intake, snack foods, breakfast, and sedentary on the incidence of obesity in elementary schoolchildren in the city of Banda Aceh.&#x0D; METHODS: This research used case–control design. Determination of the sample was done by probability sampling with cluster sampling technique. Study sample was of 84 children. Data collection was done by interviewing the parents, observation using questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out bivariate and using Chi-square statistical tests.&#x0D; RESULTS: School food intake from daily snacks (p = 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 5) and fiber consumption (p = 0.017, OR = 3.3) was related to the incidence of obesity in elementary schoolchildren in Banda Aceh (p &lt; 0.05). Sedentary behavior was associated with the incidence of obesity in primary schoolchildren (p = 0.002, OR = 4.6). Breakfast is not related to the occurrence of obesity in primary schoolchildren in the city of Banda Aceh.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: There was a significant influence between intake from daily snack foods, fiber consumption, and sedentary on the incidence of obesity in primary schoolchildren in the Banda Aceh City area.

Prediction model of overweight and obesity in primary school children in urban areas

Background: Overweight and obesity can occur both in children to adulthood. The prevalence of obesity for children aged 5-12 years is still high at 18.8% consisting of 10.8% overweight and obese at 8.8%. The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased in various countries including Indonesia. The results of previous data collection shows that the proportion of fat and obesity is quite high at 34.5%.Methods: This type of research is a cross sectional study because the independent and dependent variables are measured at the same time. The sample was a portion of elementary school children in SD Kramat Pela Kebayoran Baru. Case samples are elementary school children who are overweight and obese (weight/height &gt;1.0 SD) as many as 35 children and the control sample is elementary school children with normal weight/height ≤1.0 SD as many as 35 children.Results: From the results of the analysis of physical activity variables showed that the group of children who are overweight or obese have an average activity lower than normal school children. Odds ratio analysis shows that the risk of being obese or obese is 18.1 times in inactive children compared to active ones (95% CI: 4.60-70.9). Screen time analysis with the incidence of obesity did not show significance.Conclusions: Growth monitoring needs to be pursued regularly so that efforts to control obesity in school children can be done.

Prevalence of Obesity in Elementary School Children and its Association with Dental Caries.

To determine any associations between obesity and caries activity in the mixed dentition stage among primary school children in a low-income Mexican primary school. This cross-sectional study was performed in Mexican schoolchildren aged 8-12 years. The body mass index (BMI) was obtained, and children were classified as overweight/obese considering age and sex. The experience of caries in permanent and temporary dentition was established with the sum of decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT or deft index for permanent or temporal dentition); a caries index for all teeth was also considered (total decay [TD]). Mann-Whitney U-test was used to contrast the distribution between sexes of the quantitative variables and to contrast the distribution of each variable per category, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used. Spearman's Rho test was used to establish the correlation between the quantitative variables. Multiple linear regression models were performed to find the relationship between the O'Leary index and the BMI. A Multilayer Perceptron was constructed as follows: (a) dependent variables: deft, DMFT, TD and O'Leary index; (b) factor: BMI; (c) covariable: age. A total of 331 children were included in the study. Dental caries prevalence was 32.4% (95% CI 29.7-35.2), while the mean DMFT was 0.64 (± SD 1.00). Through the Spearmen test, a statistically significant negative correlation was found between BMI-for-age with the total experience of carious lesions (r = -0.127, p = 0.021) and with experience of carious lesions in the deciduous dentition (deft) (r = -0.195, p ≤0.001). But when using the linear and logistic regression models to analyse the relationship with the O'Leary index, BMI was not statistically significant. With the Multilayer Perceptron there appears to be less error in the prediction of deft than the other indexes. This study confirms the high prevalence of obesity in primary school children. It also shows the scarce association between carious lesions and obesity.

A review of effective interventions for reducing and controlling obesity in primary school children

Objectives: The prevalence of obesity has been doubled among children over the past 10 years, which will result in an obese population and its complications in near future. This situation can impose great costs on the health system and community for treating those obese people. The purpose of this review is to examine the effective strategies for reducing and controlling obesity in primary school students. Methods: This review was conducted in August and September 2017. Our goal was to review the related articles in the authorized databases, including Scientific Information Center (SIC), Scholar Google, Scopus, and PubMed, from 2000 onward, by two researchers, considering language constraint (only English articles with full text were accepted). Out of 104,658 articles, 15 articles were excluded due to the lack of full text, and finally 25 articles were selected. Results: The results of the existing studies showed that through involving parents, schools officials and continuous supporting measures like prohibition of long-term food advertising in television programs, all three educational, nutritional and physical activity interventions can help in controlling and reducing obesity. Conclusions: To succeed in reducing and controlling obesity among students, especially primary school ones, the approaches and interventions should be implemented in three levels: home, school, and community.

Enseñanza virtual en educación física en primaria en México y la pandemia por COVID-19

The theoretical review addresses the virtual physical education established in Mexico based on social confine-ment by COVID-19, based on the problem, already existing in Mexico, of sedentary lifestyle and childhood obesi-ty in primary school children, in whom, derived from social confinement, an increase in body mass is estimated, which carries greater health risks. When analyzing the recent bibliography, which relates COVID-19 with physi-cal education and physical activity, the opportunity for physical education teachers to conduct virtual schemes in the contents of the educational program is identified, in this way, to contribute to the decrease in sedentary lifestyle in primary school students, prioritizing physical literacy.

Double Burden of Nutrition and some Eating Habits Characteristics of Preschool Children in Nam Hong Commune, Dong Anh district, Hanoi, 2018

Double Burden of Nutrition and some Eating Habits Characteristics of Preschool Children in Nam Hong Commune, Dong Anh district, Hanoi, 2018

Association between obesity and sleep disorders in primary school children: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND The prevalence of obesity in primary school children in Jakarta has reached 14% in 2013. Among many disorders, obesity can cause sleep disorders. However, sleep disorders in children are often overlooked by parents, even though they can cause physical, social, and psychological impacts. Therefore, it is necessary to find the association between obesity and sleep disorders in primary school children. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed between July–September 2015 on 107 children attending Menteng 01 Primary School, Jakarta. Children's weight and height were measured and then their parents filled out the brief infant sleep questionnaire (BISQ). The collected data were analyzed using chi-square. RESULTS In this study, 20.6% of the children were obese, which was higher than the prevalence of obesity in Jakarta. Meanwhile, sleep disorders occurred in 62.6% of children. Data about children’s sleep habits and parents’ opinion about their children’s sleep were obtained. It showed that snoring and parents’ opinion about sleep disorders were factors associated with children’s sleep disorder. Statistical analysis also showed a significant association between obesity and sleep disorders in children (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of obesity in primary school children is high and is associated with sleep disorders.

Intake of Fiber and Sodium Toward the Risk of Obesity in Primary School Children in the City of Padang Indonesia

High food intake and unhealthy diet are one of the main factors of obesity. The aim of the study was to determine the association between fiber and sodium intake with the risk of obesity occurrence among elementary school children in the Andalas Public Health Centre, Padang City. This study used a case control design with location was on Elementary School No. 30 and Kartika 1-10. The amount of sample was 114 students (57 cases and 57 controls). Fiber and sodium intake was calculated by Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) and child obesity was based on weighing and then compared to age. The result showed that the mean of fiber intake among case (deviation, standard) was 16,89 g (more and less 9,46 g) while the mean of fiber intake among control was 17,4 g (more and less 33,66 g). Then, the mean of sodium intake among case was 1.624,53 mg (more and less 367,34 mg) while the mean of sodium intake among control was 1.353,48 mg (more and less 350,58 mg). The result also showed that there was not statistically significant fiber intake with the risk of obesity among elementary school children (p-value=0,677; OR=1,19). However, higher sodium intake has proved statistically will increase the risk of obesity 2,29 times among elementary school children than normal sodium intake. Multivariate analysis showed that fat intake is a confounding factor of the relationship between fiber and sodium intake with the risk of obesity. Based on the result, the school side should monitor food and beverages that on sale in the canteen and around school, also giving education to school children how to choose a healthy and nutritious food. ABSTRAK Pola makan yang kurang sehat merupakan salah satu faktor utama terjadinya obesitas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara asupan serat dan natrium dengan risiko kejadian obesitas pada anak sekolah dasar di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Andalas Kota Padang. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain case control dengan lokasi penelitian di SDN 30 dan SD Kartika 1-10. Jumlah responden penelitian sebanyak 114 orang (57 kasus dan 57 kontrol). Asupan serat dan natrium anak dinilai melalui Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) dan status obesitas anak ditentukan berdasarkan hasil penimbangan kemudian dibandingkan dengan umur. Hasil analisis diketahui rata-rata asupan serat kasus (standar deviasi), yaitu 16,89 g ( lebih kurang 9,46 g) sedangkan rata-rata asupan serat kontrol, yaitu 17,4 g (lebih kurang 33,66 g) kemudian rata-rata asupan natrium kasus sebesar 1.624,53 mg ( lebih kurang 367,34 mg) sedangkan rata-rata asupan natrium kontrol sebesar 1.353,48 mg ( lebih kurang 350,58 mg). Hasil penelitian juga menunjukkan tidak ada hubungan yang bermakna antara asupan serat dengan risiko kejadian obesitas pada anak sekolah dasar (p-value=0,677; OR=1,19) sebaliknya asupan natrium yang lebih secara statistik terbukti meningkatkan risiko kejadian obesitas sebesar 2,29 kali pada anak sekolah dasar dibandingkan asupan natrium yang cukup. Hasil analisis multivariat diketahui asupan lemak merupakan variabel confounding terhadap hubungan asupan serat dan asupan natrium terhadap risiko obesitas pada anak sekolah. Berdasarkan hal tersebut kepada pihak sekolah sebaiknya melakukan pengawasan terhadap jajanan yang dijual di kantin dan lingkungan sekitar sekolah serta memberikan edukasi kepada anak melalui kurikulum mengenai memilih makanan jajanan yang sehat dan bergizi.

Decline of childhood overweight and obesity in Italy from 2008 to 2016: results from 5 rounds of the population-based surveillance system

BackgroundGiven the effects of childhood obesity on future health, and the lack of information of its prevalence in Italy, a national surveillance system was implemented in 2007. It is OKkio alla SALUTE, part of the WHO/Europe Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). This study reports the 2008–2016 trends by sex, area of residence and socio-demographic characteristics in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school children (8–9 years).MethodsIn each round of the surveillance held in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016, a nationally representative sample of about 45,000 children, was weighed and measured with standard equipment and methods by trained personnel. Children were classified as normal weight, overweight or obese using World Obesity Federation (WOF) (formerly the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF)) and WHO cut-offs. Children’s sex, area of residence and mothers’ education and citizenship, were obtained using self-reported questionnaires and were assessed using multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsBetween 2008 and 2016, the overall prevalence of obesity dropped from 12.0 to 9.3% (WOF-IOTF) and from 21.2 to 17.0% (WHO), while the overall prevalence of overweight (including obesity) from 35.2 to 30.6% (WOF-IOTF) and from 44.4 to 39.4% (WHO). Reduction in the prevalence of overweight and obesity was greater in boys (− 14.5%, p for trend< 0.001; and − 24.7%, p = 0.001) compared to girls (− 11.1%, p < 0.001; and − 19.2%, p = 0.034). Decreasing trends were observed in overweight prevalences within children resident in the center and in the south. Decreasing trends in obesity prevalences were observed among boys resident in the north and in the south, and among girls resident in the center. Decreasing trends were observed in overweight prevalences within socio–demographic characteristics, except among children with low educated and foreign mothers; and in obesity prevalences for children with medium educated mothers, and girls with Italian mothers.ConclusionsFrom 2008 to 2016 a decrease of childhood overweight and obesity was observed in Italy. However, as these prevalences are still among the highest in Europe, there is need to continue their monitoring and implement more interventions to promote healthy lifestyles. More effort should be focused on children belonging to low social classes.

Ambient air pollution and overweight and obesity in school-aged children in Barcelona, Spain

BackgroundAmbient air pollution may increase the risk of overweight and obesity in children. However, available evidence is still scarce and has mainly focused on ambient air pollution exposure occurring at home without considering the school environment. The aim of this study is to assess whether exposure to ambient air pollution at home and school is associated with overweight and obesity in primary school children. MethodsWe studied 2660 children aged 7–10 years during 2012 in Barcelona. Child weight and height were measured and age- and sex-specific z-scores for body mass index (zBMI) were calculated using the WHO growth reference 2007. Overweight and obesity were defined using the same reference. Land use regression models were used to estimate levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5), <10 μm (PM10) and coarse (PMcoarse) at home. Outdoor levels of NO2, PM2.5, elemental carbon (EC), and ultrafine particles (UFP) were measured in the schoolyard. Multilevel mixed linear and ordered logistic models were used to assess the association between ambient air pollution (continuous per interquartile range (IQR) increase and categorical with tertile cutoffs) and zBMI (continuous and ordinal: normal, overweight, obese), after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. ResultsAn IQR increase in PM10-home (5.6 μg/m3) was associated with a 10% increase in the odds of being overweight or obese (odds ratio (OR) = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.00, 1.22). Children exposed to the highest tertile of UFP-school (>27,346 particles/cm3) had a 30% higher odds of being overweight or obese (OR = 1.30; 95%CI = 1.03, 1.64) compared to the lowest tertile of UFP exposure. We also observed that exposure to NO2, PM2.5 or EC at schools was associated with higher odds of overweight or obese at medium compared to low levels of exposure. Home and school exposures did not show any significant associations with zBMI (except PM2.5-school comparing tertile 2 vs tertile 1) but were similar in direction. ConclusionsThis study suggests that exposure to ambient air pollution, especially at school, is associated with childhood risk for overweight and obesity. A cautious interpretation is warranted because associations were not always linear and because school and home air pollution measurements were not directly comparable.

Prevalence of persistent proteinuria in overweight and obese primary school children in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: There is a dearth of information on the relationship between persistent proteinuria with overweight and obesity in Nigerian children. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating this relationship.Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 275 overweight and obese primary school children aged 5 to 12 years derived from an initial screening of the Body Mass Index of 1,600 apparently healthy primary school pupils recruited by multi-stage sampling. Subjects early morning urine was collected and urinalysis done. Those with proteinuria ≥ 1+, had urinalysis repeated after two weeks and those with persistent proteinuria, were quantitated using the modified Biuret and urine creatinine with the modified Jaffe Kinetic methods. Urine protein:creatinine ratios > 0.20 were confirmed as persistent proteinuria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and P-value ≤ 0.05 was significant.Results: Overweight were 192 (69.8%) and obese 83 (30.2%). Five Children (1.8%) had persistent proteinuria consisting of four (1.4%) of overweight and one (0.4%) of Obese though not statistically significant.Conclusion: Prevalence of persistent proteinuria among overweight and obese primary school children was 1.4% and 0.4% respectively. More studies are needed to evaluate the impact of overweight and obesity on the kidneys of Nigerian children.Keywords: Persistent Proteinuria, Overweight, Obesity, Children

Influence of Different Exercise Regimens on Segmental Body Fat in Obese Primary School Children

Purpose: to compare the influence of different exercise regimens on segmental body fat in obese primary school children. Method: 100 obese children, their ages ranged from 6 to 12 years. Children were randomly allocated into: Group I (control/diet only), II (diet plus aerobic training), III (diet plus resistance training) and IV (diet plus combined aerobic and resistance training). BMI and segmental body fat (using DEXA) were measured before and after 6 consecutive months of the program. Results: Significance in BMI and total fat and legs fat mass/total fat mass % (P= 0.000). Insignificance in trunk fat mass/total fat mass % and limb/trunk fat mass ratio in control group (P=0.155 and 0.109 respectively) while significance in exercise groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: Different exercise regimens had different influences on segmental body fat in obese primary school children.