Obesity In Primary School Children Research Articles

Anthropometrical and fitness level changes following a 12-week walking football program for obese primary school children aged 8-11

Anthropometrical and fitness level changes following a 12-week walking football program for obese primary school children aged 8-11

Cesarean section and risks of overweight and obesity in school-aged children: a population-based study.

Obesity puts a great health burden in the world. Previous studies suggest that caesarean section (CS) may increase the risk of obesity in children, but it is still uncertain whether this association is causal or due to residual confounding by medical indication. To assess the association between CS, CS without medical indications in particular and the risk of overweight and obesity in school-aged children. Cross-sectional survey. The 2014 Shanghai Child Health, Education and Lifestyle Evaluation was a large population-based survey with cluster random probability sampling in 26 primary schools in Shanghai, China, in 2014. The mode of delivery was reported by parents. The height, weight and waist circumference of the children were measured. Logistic regression models with SURVEYLOGISTIC procedure were used to estimate the risk of childhood obesity. Pupils delivered vaginally were served as the reference group. A total of 17 571 pupils completed this survey, and 13 724 of them who were singleton, born term and between 5 and 13 years old were included in our analysis. CS was associated with increased risks of overweight and obesity (BMI: adjusted OR = 1.28 [95%CI 1.13-1.45] and 1.44 [1.26-1.66], respectively; weight for height ratio [WHtR] >0.46: 1.33 [1.20-1.48]). Similar results were found in CS without medical indication (BMI: overweight = 1.24 [1.05-1.47], obesity = 1.43 [1.19-1.72]; WHtR > 0.46: 1.30 [1.13-1.50]). CS overall and CS without medical indications were associated with increased risks of overweight and obesity in primary school children.

Pengaruh Media Pendidikan Gizi (Komik) terhadap Peningkatan Pengetahuan dan Perubahan Berat Badan pada Anak Sekolah Dasar dengan Obesitas

School age is a time when children experience rapid growth. At this age of physical activity continues to increase such as play, exercise. Wrong eating habits in schoolchildren can lead to serious nutritional problems, such as obesity. Eating behavior such as consumption of junk food and fried is associated with the occurrence of obesity in school children. This study was to determine the effect of nutritional education media (comic) to increase knowledge and weight loss in elementary school children with obesity in the city of Bandar Lampung. This study included experiment research with quasi-experiment design study, conducted in Bandar Lampung City Elementary School. Subjects in the case were obese primary school children who received nutritional media (comic) intervention. The number of subjects consisted of 31 cases and 31 controls. The variables observed included weight changes and changes in knowledge of data. Data analysis was done by independent t-test and pair t-test. There was the influence of nutrition media intervention (comic) to the score of knowledge was shown with p-value=0,001. Where the increase of knowledge score only in the treatment group that was from 10,96+1,99 to 13,38+1,68. While nutrition media intervention (comic) did not give effect to changes in obese child weight shown with a p-value that is 0,491 for treatment group and 0,725 for the control group. The nutritional media (comic) interventions can improve the knowledge score of obese primary school children but have no effect on changes in child weight. The intervention should be done more than 2 weeks to see directly effect of nutritional media (comic) intervention on weight change, we should involve the professional in making comics and experiment on the use of comics as a material of intervention to the same population.

Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with insulin resistance independently of obesity in primary schoolchildren. The healthy growth study.

To explore the associations of vitamin D status and obesity with insulin resistance (IR) in children. A sample of 2282 schoolchildren (9-13 years old) in Greece was examined. Sociodemographic, anthropometric (weight, height), biochemical (fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin and 25(OH)D), pubertal status and physical activity data were collected, using standard methods. The "Vitamin D Standardization Program" protocol was applied to standardize serum 25(OH)D values. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) was higher in obese children compared to their over- and normal-weight counterparts (60.5% vs 51.6% and 51%, P = .017). Furthermore, children with IR (both obese and non-obese) had higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency compared to non-obese, non-insulin resistant children (66% and 59.2% vs 49.8%, P < .05), possibly indicating that IR is associated with vitamin D insufficiency, independently of obesity. In line with the above, the results from logistic regression analyses controlled for several potential confounders, showed a 1.48 (95% C.I: 1.2-1.84) higher likelihood for vitamin D insufficiency for insulin resistant children compared to the non-insulin resistant ones, while no significant association was observed with obesity. The present study revealed a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among schoolchildren in Greece, particularly among obese and insulin resistant ones. In addition, it highlighted that the significant association of vitamin D insufficiency with IR is possibly independent of obesity. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm this possible independent association but also explore the potential beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on IR and possibly on weight management too.

Increasing inequality in childhood obesity in primary schools in a northern English town

ObjectiveTo undertake an analysis of National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) data to quantify the obesity prevalence gap over time between children in primary schools in the most and least deprived areas of Doncaster. Study designThe research design for this study was retrospective quantitative analysis of secondary data. MethodsThe study undertook secondary analysis of NCMP data on obesity prevalence in children in Reception Year and Year 6 in primary schools in Doncaster for the period 2006–2007 to 2014–2015. Data were combined into three 3-year periods (2006–2007 to 2008–2009; 2009–2010 to 2011–2012; and 2012–2013 to 2014–2015), and schools were grouped by deprivation based on the national Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2015. Analysis was undertaken to assess whether there is a difference in obesity prevalence for Reception Year and Year 6 children in schools in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived (prevalence gap), over time. ResultsThe difference in obesity prevalence between children attending schools in the most and least deprived areas has increased over time. For Reception Year children, the prevalence gap has widened from a difference of 1.01% higher in the most deprived schools in 2006–2007 to 2008–2009 to 3.64% higher in 2012–2013 to 2014–2015. In the same time periods, for Year 6 children, the obesity prevalence gap has also increased over time from 2.82% to 5.08%. ConclusionsThere is inequality in relation to obesity in primary school children in Doncaster with those in schools in the most deprived areas carrying the greatest burden. Research is needed to understand why the plateau seen nationally is not reaching the most deprived children.

Cardio-metabolic and socio-environmental correlates of waist-to-height ratio in German primary schoolchildren: a cross-sectional exploration

BackgroundControversial messages of childhood obesity emerge: Levelling off in terms of body mass index (BMI) is foiled by increases in abdominal obesity. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) may be used as a screening tool for abdominal obesity in children. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and socio-environmental correlates of abdominal obesity in primary schoolchildren.MethodsCross-sectional data from 753 children participating in baseline assessments of the outcome evaluation of a school-based prevention program were analysed. Abdominal obesity was defined as WHtR ≥0.5. According to German age and sex-specific BMI-percentiles, overweight (>90th percentile) and obesity (>97th percentile) were determined. Anthropometric and sonographic measurements, blood pressure and blood samples were taken by clinical staff in a standardized manner. Socio-environmental and lifestyle data were assessed via parental questionnaires. Differences between abdominally obese children and others, and correlations of WHtR with clinical data were tested. Socio-environmental correlates of abdominal obesity were explored in a logistic regression analysis.ResultsAt the time of the examination children were 7.57 ± 0.42 years old. Abdominal obesity was observed in 132 (17.5%) children. According to BMI-percentiles, 22.9% of these children were obese, 38.2% overweight, and 38.2% normal weight. Affected children more often used screen media and less often participated in club sports. Abdominal obesity was associated with higher blood pressure, lower HDL- and higher LDL-cholesterol. WHtR significantly correlated with intra-abdominal fat thickness (IAF). The logistic regression model revealed migration background (odds ratio (OR) 2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.41, 3.19]), smoking during pregnancy (OR 2.30, 95% CI [1.37, 3.86]), parental obesity (OR 1.95, 95% CI [1.22, 3.10]) and higher educational level (OR 0.64, 95% CI [0.42, 0.98]) to be significantly associated with abdominal obesity in children.ConclusionWHtR correlates strongly with IAF. Abdominal obesity in primary schoolchildren is associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors and also occurs in otherwise normal weight children. Against the background of rising numbers of abdominal obesity in children, targeted preventive measures are long overdue. The focus of such measures should be used on children with migration background and involve parents, especially those who are obese and those with lower educational levels.

Prevalence of Obesity is Rising among Primary School Children in Dhaka City of Bangladesh

Background: The rising prevalence of childhood obesity poses a major public health challenge and needs to be addressed accordingly. Aims and Objectives: To see the frequency of overweight and obesity in primary school children of Dhaka city and to analyze the impact of socioeconomic status and associated hypertension on the anthropometric indices. Materials and Methods: Multistage random cluster sample of 504 children of 9-14 years (age: 11.31±1.39, M±SD; M/F: 256/248) was done. The obesity and overweight were considered using an updated body mass index (BMI) reference, waist circumference (WC), waist height ratio (WHtR) and waist hip ratio (WHR). Socioeconomic status, life style factors as well as blood pressure were considered as influencing factors. Results: About 13.0% (64/504) were underweight, 63.5% (320/504) normal weight, and 12.9% (65/504) overweight and 10.9% (55/504) obese. Most of normal and overweight BMI status was from middle class (51.6% and 55.4% respectively). By WHtR about 55-70% children belonged to normal BMI status while 22.6% was obese. Systolic and diastolic hypertensions were found in 19.9% and 29.8% respectively. BMI correlated with age WHtR, WC, WHR, systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as socioeconomic condition (p&lt;0.001 for all). WHtR, WC, WHR (P&lt;0.001 for all) were independent predictors for BMI. Conclusions: Prevalence of obesity is on rise in Bangladeshi children. It is high time for the concerned authority and the stakeholders to initiate appropriate measures to combat this rising prevalence.

Multilevel Analysis: Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity in Primary School Children in Surakarta, Central Java

Background : Life course studies have shown that early onset obesity is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality later in life. In both sexes, rates of diabetes, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, hip fracture, and gout were increased in those who were overweight as adolescents. Contextual factor at higher level such as school may have indirect effect on the incidence of overweight or obesity through eating behavior. However, studies into factors affecting child obesity in Indonesia using multilevel approach are lacking. This study aimed to examine factors associated with overweight and obesity in primary school children in Surakarta, Central Java, using multilevel analysis. Subjects and Method : A case control study was conducted at 25 primary schools in Surakarta, Central Java, from March to April 2018. A sample of 225 primary school children was selected by fixed disease sampling, consisting of 75 children with overweight or obesity and 150 children with normal weight. The variables of children were placed at the first level of the multilevel model. The potential contextual effect of school was determined at the second level. The dependent variable was overweight or obesity. The independent variables were maternal education, maternal body mass index (BMI), physical activity, family income, and school environment. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed by a multilevel logistic regression run on Stata 13. Results : Child overweight or obesity was positively associated with maternal BMI ≥25 (b= 0.11; 95% CI= 0.04 to 0.18; p= 0.002) and high family income (b= 0.04; 95% CI= 0.02 to 0.06; p< 0.001). Child overweight or obesity was negatively associated with high physical activity (b= -0.03; 95% CI= -0.05 to -0.01; p= 0.009). School environment had a negligible contextual effect on child obesity with ICC= 5.08%. Conclusion : Child obesity is positively associated with maternal BMI ≥25 and family income, and is negatively associated with physical activity. School environment has a negligible contextual effect on child obesity. Keywords : obesity, primary school children, maternal body mass index, physical activity Correspondence: Arum Kusuma Rini. Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami No. 36 A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: arumkusumarini@yahoo.com. Mobile: +6282133044191. Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health (2019), 4(1): 1-8 https://doi.org/10.26911/jepublichealth.2019.04.01.01

Skipping breakfast is detrimental for primary school children: cross-sectional analysis of determinants for targeted prevention

BackgroundSkipping breakfast was found to be associated with abdominal obesity in primary school children. The aim of this research was to examine factors associated with skipping breakfast in primary school children in order to develop targeted preventive measures.MethodsBaseline data assessment (2010) of a cluster-randomized controlled trial for the evaluation of a school-based health promotion program in primary school children in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Anthropometric measures of 1,943 primary school children aged 7.1 ± 0.6 years (51.2% boys) were conducted according to ISAK-standards (International Standard for Anthropometric Assessment) by trained staff. Further information on the health and living conditions of the children and their parents were assessed in parental questionnaires. Generalized linear mixed regression analysis was calculated to define correlates for skipping breakfast in terms of odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsAccording to the final regression models, significant correlates of skipping breakfast can be divided into modifiable behavioral components (high consumption of soft drinks (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.81; 3.43), screen media (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.77; 3.46) and high levels of physical activity (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44; 0.93)) on the one hand, and more or less static socio-economic factors (migration background (OR 2.81, 95% CI 2.02; 3.91), single parenting (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.34; 3.40), and high family education level (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.28; 0.64)) on the other hand, and finally individual factors (female gender (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.03; 1.99) and having a percentage of body fat at or above the 95th percentile (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.00; 2.17)).ConclusionTargeted prevention should aim at health-related behaviors accompanying the habit of skipping breakfast. Focusing on vulnerable groups, characterized by not so easily modifiable socio-economic as well as individual factors, may improve results. Interventions should synergistically promote children’s health and involve their parents in order to be successful. To reach all children and to avoid skipping breakfast, schools should offer regular breakfast at the start of a school day. Policy makers should support healthy eating habits at all times.

Prevalence of Obesity in Primary School children

The prevalence of childhood obesity has risen dramatically in the past several decades. This condition is still under diagnosed and under treated. This study was carried out in four, schools of Hafizabad city to assess prevalence of obesity in school children aged 6-12 years.

Sensory taste preferences and taste sensitivity and the association of unhealthy food patterns with overweight and obesity in primary school children in Europe—a synthesis of data from the IDEFICS study

Increased preference for fat and sugar or reduced taste sensitivity may play a role in overweight and obesity development, but sensory perceptions are probably influenced already during childhood by food cultures and common dietary habits. We summarise the main findings of a large-scale epidemiological study conducted in Italy, Estonia, Cyprus, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, Hungary and Spain. We measured the taste preferences and the taste thresholds in 1,839 children aged 6 to 9 years and investigated factors that might influence the observed preferences as well as their association with weight status. Country of residence was the strongest factor related to preferences for sweet, salty, bitter and umami. Taste preferences also differed by age. Regardless of the country of residence and other covariates, overweight and obesity were positively associated with the preference for fat-enriched crackers and sugar-sweetened apple juice. We conclude that culture and age are important determinants of taste preferences in pre-adolescent children. The cross-sectional data show that objectively measured taste preferences are associated with the weight status of primary school children across varying food cultures. We hypothesise that this association is mediated by an unfavourable food choice as a food pattern characterised by sweet and fatty foods is associated with excess weight gain in these children.

Childhood Obesity in Primary School Children of Middle and Upper-Middle Income Group in the Capital City of Bangladesh

Background: No published information is available on the status of childhood obesity in Bangladeshi primary school children of urban middle and upper-middle income group. The aim of the study was to explore the proportion of childhood obesity in the primary school children of middle and upper-middle income group in capital city and to gather information on their dietary pattern and physical activity. Methods: One hundred and fifty children (age 9 ± 1 years, height (ht) 118 ± 20 cm, weight (wt) 36 ± 8 kg, wt/ht% 126 ± 24, mean ± SD) were selected purposively from the primary schools of Dhaka city. On the basis of predefined scoring, subjects were classified as underweight, normal, overweight and obese if their weight-for-height values were 120% of median values for Bangladeshi children respectively. Dietary intake and energy expenditure of the study subjects were calculated by standard techniques. Results: The proportion of childhood overweight and obesity was 52% and 20%. The proportion of overweight and obesity was higher (78%) among girls compared to boys (54%). Similarly, height, weight and other anthropometrics indices were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in girls compared to boys. The daily intake of carbohydrate and protein was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among obese group. Total energy balance was significantly correlated with weight-for-height% (r = 0.541, p = 0.0001). Conclusions: A higher proportion of overweight and obesity had been found in girls’ children than their counter parts in this study. Positive energy balance with higher energy intake from carbohydrate and fast/processed food culture habit were found among primary school children of middle and upper-middle income group in the capital city of Bangladesh.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children in Port Harcourt. A stratified multi-staged sampling technique was used to recruit pupils from primary schools in Port Harcourt. Data was collected using questionnaires completed by parents. The average of two measurements of height and weight were taken and BMI was calculated manually. Using the BMI for age charts developed by the US National Centre for Health Statistics in collaboration with the National Centre for Chronic Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, overweight was defined as BMI greater than the 85th but less than the 95th percentile and obesity as BMI equal to or greater than the 95th percentile. A total of 1302 pupils (585 (44.9%) males and 717 (55.1%) females) were studied. Seventy five (5.8%) of the pupils were overweight while 77 (5.9%) were obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity of 127 (15.5%) among younger children was higher than that of 25 (5.2%) among the older children (p < 0.001). Female pupils had a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity (12.8%) compared to male pupils (10.3%). A higher prevalence of overweight and obesity was found among the higher (18.1%) than among the lower (2.4%) social class (p < 0.001). The prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school children in Port Harcourt, Nigeria is 5.8% and 5.9% respectively. Children from higher socioeconomic class were significantly more overweight and obese than those from lower socioeconomic classes.

Childhood obesity management shifting from health care system to school system: intervention study of school-based weight management programme.

BackgroundHome and school environments conducive for unhealthy eating and physical inactivity are precursors of obesity. The aim of this study is evaluation of the effectiveness of a multi-component school-based weight management programme for overweight and obese primary school children via a home-school joint venture.MethodsThis study made use of variety of behavioural modification strategies integrating into the Health Promoting School approach to promote healthy lifestyles. The participants were overweight and obese students aged between 8 and 12 from six participating schools. The interventions involved students attending ten 75 minutes after-school sessions and one 3-hour week-end session of practical interactive and fun activities on healthy eating and exercise, and meal plan together with parents and printed tailor-made management advices. Parents received an introductory seminar with 2 sets of specially designed exercise for their overweight children. The tools to measure bodyweight and fat percentage and standing height were bio-impedance body fat scale and a portable stadiometer. Self-administered questionnaire was used to measure knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. McNemar test was utilized to compare the proportions of behaviour changes within the same group to assess for the trends of changes. BMI z-score and body fat percentage of intervention participants at baseline, 4 month and 8 month were compared pair-wisely using tests of within subject contrasts in repeated measures ANOVA to assess for programme sustainability.ResultsThose students in the intervention group reduced their BMI z-score (-0.21, 95% CI -0.34 to -0.07, P = 0.003) and body fat (-2.67%, 95% CI -5.12 to -0.22, P = 0.033) compared to wait list control group with statistical significant, and the intervention group also had a significant reduction in BMI z-score (-0.06, 95% CI -0.11, -0.007, P = 0.028) and body fat (-1.71%, 95% CI, -3.44 to 0.02, P = 0.052) after a 4 month maintenance period. Improvement of dietary habits and positive attitudes towards exercise were observed among the intervention group.ConclusionSchool based weight management programme integrated into a Health Promoting School approach with improved school policies and environment in supporting individual skills of obese students and their parents appears to be a promising practice for sustaining weight control.Trial registrationISRCTN58795797.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-1128) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Overweight, Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in Primary School Children in Pavia, Northern Italy

Childhood obesity has been described as the main health-related problem in developed countries, due to its link with physical, social and psychological consequences with an increased risk for developing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.

Prevalence of obesity in primary school children living in Alexandria governorate

Objective The aim of the work was to assess the prevalence of obesity among children of primary schools in Alexandria governorate. Background Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6-11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. Participants and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on 3500 Egyptian children to calculate prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children at age of 6-12 years living in Alexandria governorate. Four schools from urban areas and two from rural areas including both sexes were selected randomly in this study. They were subjected to physical examination and anthropometric measurements including BMI. Data were expressed in terms of Z- scores using the WHO Z- score cutoff points. Conclusion Pediatric obesity is a prevalent and rapidly increasing problem that poses a serious risk to the health and well-being of the nations' youths. Overweight and obesity were relatively high among age group 6-12 years. It was more common in female individuals than male individuals. It was more common in urban than rural areas. It was common in private schools than in governmental schools. Children of high socioeconomic level were more obese than other children.

Screening tool for diagnosis childhood obesity: percent weight for height vs body mass index

Background Childhood obesity is a worldwide epidemic problem and it prevalence has been increasing over the time, however, there is no best single standard criteria for screening obesity in population. In this study, we aim to assess the prevalence of obesity in primary school children by using percent weight for height (PWH) criteria compare with body mass index (BMI) curve from International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and study the correlation between these two criteria.

Evaluation of an education intervention for childhood obesity prevention in basic schools in Chile

The aim of this study was to evaluate a comprehensive intervention in nutrition education and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity in primary school children of low socioeconomic status in Macul county in Chile, with a two year follow-up (2008 and 2009) of the children. The intervention consisted in teacher nutrition training in healthy eating and the implementation of educational material based on Chilean dietary guidelines. In addition, there was an increase in physical education classes to 3-4 hours per week and physical education teachers were recruited for that purpose. Weight, height and six minutes walk test (6MWT) were measured and body mass index (BMI), BMI Z score, prevalence of normal, overweight and obese children were calculated with WHO 2007reference. Changes between baseline and BMI Z in each period and 6MWT/height, and changes in nutrition knowledge through questionnaires were measured. There was no significant difference in BMI Z score between the initial and final periods and in the evolution of the nutritional status of children. Nutrition knowledge improved significantly between the two measurements. There was a significant increase in 6MWT/height (10 meters between baseline and follow-up, p < 0.001). We conclude that although there was an improvement in nutrition knowledge and physical fitness of children, there was a stabilization of BMI Z score in the period of the study. New educational interventions are required according to the reality of each community to obtain a positive impact to prevent childhood obesity in primary schools.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school children in Port Said city

BackgroundThe highest prevalence rates of childhood obesity have been observed in developed countries, however, its prevalence is increasing in developing countries as well. ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children, aged from 6 to 12years and to estimate risk factors of obesity and overweight, defined by body mass index (BMI). MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out at Port Said city during the second term of school year 2010/2011. The researcher took the anthropometric measurements inside the nurse’s room in the school and gave a questionnaire to the students to be answered by one of the child’s parents. The questionnaire included questions related to socioeconomic status, life style (physical activity and eating habits) and family history of overweight and obesity. ResultsEight hundred and fifty-two students participated in this study. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 17.7% and 13.5% respectively. The rate of obesity was the highest at the age of 7–8years (grade 2) and decreased with an increase in age, while overweight increased with an increase in age to be the highest at the age of 9–10 (grade 4) and 10–11 (grade 5). Socioeconomic class, faulty dietary habits, sedentary life, low level of physical activity and positive family history of overweight and/or obesity were significantly associated with student’s BMI. ConclusionThis study found a relatively high prevalence of overweight and obesity among children aged 6–12years in Port Said city. Decreased rate of obesity with an increase in age in our study, signifies that faulty feeding habits were the highest at lower ages.

Obesity in adolescence is associated with perinatal risk factors, parental BMI and sociodemographic characteristics

To record the prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary-school children in relation to perinatal risk factors, parental body mass index and sociodemographics. A sample of 2294 schoolchildren aged 9-13 years was examined in municipalities from four Greek counties. Weight and height were measured using standard procedures, whereas international thresholds were used for the definition of overweight and obesity. Perinatal and parental data were also recorded via standardized questionnaires. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 30.5% and 11.6%, respectively, with a higher prevalence of obesity in boys compared with girls (13.7% vs 9.5%, P<0.02). Maternal smoking at pregnancy (odds ratio (OR) 1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.98), rapid infant weight gain (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.20-2.38), paternal and maternal obesity (OR 2.25; 95% CI 1.45-3.48 and OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.28-3.60) were found to significantly increase the odds of children's obesity (apart from overweight), whereas Greek nationality (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01-1.39) was found to significantly increase only the odds of children's overweight. Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.27-3.70) and introduction of solid foods at weaning later than 5 months of life (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.02-2.51) were also found to increase the likelihood of childhood obesity. On the contrary, children having older fathers (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.37-0.80) or more educated mothers (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.36-0.90) were less likely to be obese. The current study identified certain perinatal factors (that is, maternal pre-pregnancy obesity, maternal smoking at pregnancy, rapid infant weight gain and late introduction of solid foods at weaning) and parental characteristics (that is, younger fathers, Greek nationality, less educated and overweight parents) as important risk factors for children's overweight and obesity, indicating the multifactorial nature of their etiology and the need to extend our understanding beyond positive energy equilibrium.