Obesity In School Children Research Articles

Behavioral patterns in overweight and obese school-going adolescents

Abstract Introduction: Globally, in the age group of 5–17 years, about 10% of schoolchildren are overweight or obese. According to an Indian study among 12–16-year-olds, the overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 10.8% and 6.2%, respectively. Childhood and adolescent obesity may lead to emotional and behavioral problems, poor socialization, and stigmatization. With this study, we aimed to describe the emotional and behavioral patterns in overweight and obese school-going adolescents. Materials and Methods: Overweight and obese schoolchildren between 10 and 15 years of age were included and administered the self-reported version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Behavioral patterns across emotional, conduct, hyperactivity, peer relationship problems, and pro-social behavior were assessed, and a “total difficulty score” was noted. Results: Out of 260 overweight and obese children included in our study, 131 (50%) were males, 129 (50%) were females, 85 (33%) were overweight, and 175 (67%) were obese. The SDQ showed an abnormal score in about 19% of children with respect to the emotional component, 22% of children in the category of conduct problems, 3% and 9% of children, respectively, in hyperactivity and peer relationship problems, and 9% of children with respect to pro-social behavior patterns; however, these were not statistically significant. Around 13% of the children in our study had an abnormal “total difficulty score” on the SDQ; however, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.47). The proportion of abnormal scores was higher among obese children than the overweight ones in our study, though statistically not significant. Conclusions: Overweight and obese children have a high likelihood of developing behavioral problems. Understanding this association may help in the development of comprehensive programs and interventions to promote physical and mental well-being in adolescents.

Trends and Factors Associated With Central Obesity in Schoolchildren in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil: Cross Sectional Panel Study From 2002 to 2019.

This study aimed to assess the trend and factors associated with central obesity in four cross-sectional panels in schoolchildren aged 7-14 years between 2002 and 2019. Waist circumference data were used to assess central obesity, and independent variables were gender, age, school shift (morning and afternoon), commuting to school method, mother's schooling, and family income. The chi-square test was used to assess the association between outcome and independent variables, and binary logistic regression was used to assess the predictors of central obesity and the effect size by odds ratio. In total, 9939 students participated in all years of the research. The prevalence of central obesity was 26.4%, 27.1%, 30.0%, and 32.9% in 2002, 2007, 2013, and 2019, with an increase of ~25% between 2002 and 2019. In the adjusted analysis, schoolchildren assessed in 2019 were more likely to have central obesity at 49% (95% CI: 1.26-1.76), those who commuted passively had a probability of 13% (95% CI: 1.03-1.25) of being centrally obese; females and children aged 11-14 were 14% (95% CI: 0.78-0.94) and 13% (95% CI: 0.78-0.98) less likely to be centrally obese. These findings reinforce the need to strengthen and expand public actions and policies that encourage a healthier and active lifestyle.

Comparative analysis of pathogenetic predictors of weight gain in children and adolescents based on age and gender

Objective — to investigate the cause­effect relationship between exogenous and endogenous factors contributing to obesity and to identify age and gender differences through a comprehensive examination and questionnaire survey of Ukrainian school­aged children. Materials and methods. A cohort of 628 randomly selected students from secondary schools in Ternopil was studied and a written questionnaire was administered to students and their parents. A total of 616 completed valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed. The mean age of the respondents was (13.7 ± 0.08) years. There were 337 boys (54.8 %) and 279 girls (45.2 %). The anthropometric and questionnaire data were analyzed using the method of medical statistics with programs Statistica 12.0 (StatSoft Inc., 193, USA) and Microsoft Excel 2013. Results and discussion. Overweight children, irrespective of age and gender, more frequently have overweight close relatives with hypertension and diabetes mellitus compared to the general Ukrainian population. A list of additional predisposing factors for obesity in schoolchildren have been identified. Sleeping less than 6 hours per night increases the risk of obesity nearly fourfold (RR = 3.82, 95% CI = 1.741—6.328). Prolonged screen­time (more than 5 hours) on weekdays increases the risk of obesity by one and a half times (RR = 1.69, 95 % CI = 0.938—2.894) and at weekends by two times (RR = 1.99, 95 % CI = 1.201­3.257). Lack of physical activity (less than 2 hours per week) doubles the risk of obesity (RR = 2.06, 95 % CI = 1.229—3.235). On the other hand, a number of factors have a significant preventive effect and can be recommended for the weight gain prophylactics. In particular, limiting screen­time to less than 2 hours per day on weekdays reduces the risk of obesity by 75% (RR = 0.25, 95 % CI = 0.120—0.487) and by 47 % at weekends (RR = 0.53, 95 % CI = 0.304—0.894). Sufficient night rest (more than 8 hours) reduces the risk of obesity by 52% (RR = 0.48, 95 % CI = 0.291—0.791) and sufficient physical activity (at least 20 minutes 5 days a week) reduces by 68 % (RR = 0.32, 95 % CI = 0.143—0.667). Perinatal factors, such as birth weight and breastfeeding, are much less significant than further children’s lifestyle. The frequency of physical activity during the week was found to have a greater effect on body proportions in boys and in late school­age children. Prolong night sleep prevents weight gain in both girls and boys equally, especially in late adolescent. the duration of screen­time on weekdays and weekends is directly related to weight gain in schoolchildren, regardless of age or gender. Conclusions. Having close overweight relatives is the most significant factor increasing the risk of BMI in school­age children by 12.5 times. The body composition of Ukrainian schoolchildren is more strongly influenced by daily routines and behavior patterns, namely the intensity of daily physical activity, the duration of night sleep and the screen­time, than on birth weight or the duration of breastfeeding in the first year of life. It is advisable to take into account the presence of genetic predisposition, age and gender, and to assess the child’s daily routine and habits, in personification of recommendations.

A134: The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Obese Adolescents with High Executive Function

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of 4 weeks of aerobic exercise on the cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescents with obesity and varying levels of executive function. Methods: We recruited 80 adolescents with obesity to participate in a summer camp in China in 2022, and select 57 as research subjects based on the 2018 "Screening for Overweight and Obesity in School-Age Children and Adolescents" standard. The participants underwent morphological and 20-meter shuttle run tests to assess their VO2max. A comprehensive assessment of executive function was conducted using the Stroop task, the Wechsler Memory Scale, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The participants were divided into low and high executive function groups based on the median score of their EFz (Executive Function z-scores). The participants received six days per week, two sessions per day, and two hours per session of aerobic exercise under the guidance of professional coaches. The exercises included fat-burning exercises, such as calisthenics, and sports like badminton. The exercise intensity was controlled at 60-70% HRmax, and the participants wore heart rate monitors throughout the exercise session. During the camp, the participants' diets were managed by professional nutritionists, and any additional energy intake was strictly prohibited. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. Data were checked for normality using the S-W test. VO2max(mL·kg-1·min-1) values were expressed as means and SD. ΔVO2max=W4 (VO2max)-W0(VO2max), VO2max%=ΔVO2max/W0(VO2max)×100%, Independent sample t-tests were used to compare groups, and paired sample t-tests were used to compare W0 and W4 values within groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After 4 weeks of aerobic exercise, there was a significant improvement in VO2max in both the low (41.69±3.88 vs. 43.94±4.36mL·kg-1·min-1, P < 0.001) and high (41.10±3.71 vs. 44.84±3.71mL·kg-1·min-1, P < 0.001) executive function groups. There was no significant difference in VO2max between the two groups before or after the exercise (P = 0.536 and P = 0.407, respectively). However, there was a significant difference in ΔVO2max (2.25±1.87vs.3.77±2.99mL·kg-1·min-1, P = 0.007) and ΔVO2max% (5.43±4.67% vs. 9.45±5.77%, P = 0.006) between the low and high executive function groups, with the high executive function group showing a significantly greater improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness compared to the low executive function group. Conclusion: Four weeks of aerobic exercise can improve the cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescents with obesity, with a greater improvement was observed in those with high executive function compared to those with low executive function.

Inflammation and Physical Performance in Overweight and Obese Schoolchildren.

Conducted at the Filantropia Municipal Clinical Hospital, 160 children aged 6 to 15 were randomly assigned to a study group (SG, n = 80) and a control group (CG, n = 80). The SG engaged in a tailored kinesiotherapy program, while the CG maintained their usual activities. All children and their families learned five key principles for preventing and managing obesity. Results indicated significant improvements in the SG, with enhancements in the 6 min walking distance, Timed Up and Go test, and walking cadence (all p-values < 0.001). Notably, leptin and CRP levels (23.02 ± 7.17 to 16.62 ± 7.83, 4.13 ± 1.00 to 3.90 ± 0.95 mg/l, respectively) decreased significantly in the SG, contrasting with no significant changes in the CG. Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between leptin levels and physical activity in the SG (coefficient: 0.5642, R-squared: 0.266). These findings suggest that targeted exercise programs can effectively enhance physical performance and reduce inflammation markers in overweight children, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions in managing obesity.

The association of vitamin D insufficiency with the prevalence of obesity in children: implications for serum calcium levels, alkaline phosphatase activity, and bone maturation.

Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a potential risk factor for various adverse health outcomes. However, its specific role in metabolic regulation and skeletal development in school-aged children is not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and childhood obesity rates, and its impact on serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and bone age in children. The study analyzed clinical data from 159 school-aged children who underwent medical examinations. Participants were divided into the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) deficiency group and the 25(OH)D3 normal group based on their serum levels. We compared body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), Ca, ALP, bone age, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between the two groups. Logistic regression and Spearman correlation analyses were performed to further investigate relationships between 25(OH)D3 levels and metabolic and bone-related markers. This study showed that the 25(OH)D3 deficiency cohort exhibited significantly higher BMI, TC, TG, and ALP levels, with lower Ca levels and delayed bone age compared to the normal group. Logistic regression analysis identified Ca, ALP, and bone age as significant predictors of 25(OH)D3 deficiency. Subgroup analysis showed that in the 25(OH)D3 deficient group, children with higher BMI had elevated TC, ALP levels, and delayed bone age, while Ca levels were lower. Correlation analysis confirmed the predictive value of these markers for 25(OH)D3 deficiency. Our findings demonstrate that 25(OH)D3 deficiency is strongly associated with obesity in school-aged children and may negatively affect normal skeletal development. Regular monitoring of 25(OH)D3 levels in school-aged children is essential for ensuring proper growth and development, especially in those at risk for obesity.

HUBUNGAN KONSUMSI MAKANAN DENGAN STATUS GIZI ANAK USIA SEKOLAH SD 3 MUHAMMADIYAH PALEMBANG

Food is a type of food that is very well known and commonly consumed by the public, including school children. Data (WHO) on the nutritional status of children in the world with a prevalence of emaciation of around 13.9%, obesity of &gt;340 million people. Riskesdas in 2018 for children aged 5-12 years based on the BMI/U index with a thin nutritional status of 6.8% and an obesity nutritional status of 9.2%. Riskesdas for South Sumatra Province in 2018, the prevalence of nutritional status of children aged 5-12 years was based on the BMI/U index with the nutritional status of thin children at 6.26% and the nutritional status for obesity at 9.08%. Meanwhile, based on Palembang City data, the BMI/U index for the nutritional status of thin children is 6.88% and the nutritional status of obese children is 11.59%. Snacks that are not guaranteed to be clean can cause digestive disorders and poisoning. To determine the relationship between food consumption and the nutritional status of school-aged children. His research used a descriptive analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. The number of research respondents was 169 students. The research instrument used was a Semi Quantitative Form-FFQ questionnaire with interview and questionnaire methods taken at one time. The research carried out was located at SD 3 Muhammadiyah Palembang in March 2024. The variables explained included the characteristics of the respondents (age, parents' education, parents' occupation and nutritional status of the respondents). The research data used for statistical tests was the Spearman Correlation analysis test. Research Results: There is a relationship between food consumption and the nutritional status of school-aged children (p value 0.000 &lt; 0.05). The higher the frequency of food consumption, the risk of obesity in school-aged children will increase. Keywords : School age children, Food consumption, Nutrional Status Bibliography : 11 (2020-2023).

The Effectiveness of Physical Activity Intervention at School on BMI and Body Composition in Overweight Children: A Pilot Study

(1) Background: Overweight children usually have lower levels of physical activity (PA) than their normal-weight peers. Low PA predisposes to an increase in body fat mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based PA intervention on the anthropometric indicators and body composition of overweight and obese children during a two-year observation period, from the age of 10 to 12. (2) Materials and methods: The research included 148 children with overweight or obesity who were born in 2007. There were two groups of children with standard and elevated PA at school (SPA and EPA; 4 and 10 h of physical education lessons a week, respectively). Anthropometric and body composition measurements were carried out. Body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and total body water (TBW) were estimated. In total, five measurements were conducted at intervals of 5–6 months. (3) Results: In EPA group, the percentage of obese children decreased from 46% to 35.25%, and in SPA group, this percentage increased from 42.75% to 46%. Only 3.33% of children in the standard PA group (one child) and 17.2% in the elevated PA group (six children) changed their BMI and FM categories from overweight to normal body mass. In EPA children, FM decreased from 28.65% to 26.41%, and in SPA children, it increased from 30.31% to 31.75%. The highest increase in FFM was in EPA boys, while SPA boys recorded the highest decrease. In SPA children, SMM increased by 0.43% from 38.85% to 39.28%, and in EPA children, it increased by 2.51% from 40.27% to 42.78%. In EPA children, TBW slightly increased from 53.26% to 53.59%, and in SPA children, it decreased from 50.70% to 49.93%. (4) Conclusions: Elevated PA at school has a positive effect on the BMI and body composition of children who are overweight or obese. Increasing the mandatory number of physical education lessons in school curricula is an efficient strategy for reducing obesity in school-aged children.

The Influence of Fast Food Diet on The Incidence of Obesity in School Children : A Systematic Review

The Influence of Fast Food Diet on The Incidence of Obesity in School Children : A Systematic Review

Seafood intake in childhood/adolescence and the risk of obesity: results from a Nationwide Cohort Study

Background & aimsObesity has been linked to various detrimental health consequences. While there is established evidence of a negative correlation between seafood consumption and obesity in adults, the current research on the association between seafood intake in childhood/adolescence and the risk of obesity is lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the association between seafood intake in childhood/adolescence and the risk of obesity in a Chinese nationwide cohort.MethodsWe utilized data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from the year of 1997 to 2015. Seafood consumption was evaluated through 3-day 24-hour recalls. In our study, overweight/obesity status was determined based on the Chinese Criteria of Overweight and Obesity in School-age Children and Adolescents (WS/T 586–2018), while abdominal obesity status was determined according to the Chinese Criteria of Waist Circumference Screening Threshold among Children and Adolescents (WS/T 611–2018).ResultsDuring an average follow-up of 7.9 years, 404 cases developed overweight/obesity among 2206 participants in the seafood-overweight/obesity analysis, while 381 cases developed abdominal obesity among 2256 participants in the seafood-abdominal-obesity analysis. The high-consumer group was associated with 35% lower risk of overweight/obesity risk and 26% lower risk of abdominal obesity after fully adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, compared with the non-consumer group. Considering different cooking methods, boiled seafood consumption was associated with 43% lower risk of overweight/obesity and 23% lower risk of abdominal obesity in the fully adjusted model, while stir-fried seafood did not demonstrate a statistical significance.ConclusionHigher intake of seafood in childhood/adolescents, particularly in a boiled way, was associated with lower obesity risk.

Children with obesity have poorer circadian health as assessed by a global circadian health score.

Circadian health refers to individuals' well-being and balance in terms of their circadian rhythm. It is influenced by external cues. In adults, a close relationship between circadian-related alterations and obesity has been described. However, studies in children are scarce, and circadian health and its association with obesity have not been evaluated globally. We aimed to assess whether circadian health differed between children with and without obesity as determined by a global circadian score (GCS) in a school-age population. Four hundred and thirty-two children (7-12 years) were recruited in Spain. Non-invasive tools were used to calculate the GCS: (1) 7-day rhythm of wrist temperature (T), activity (A), position (P), an integrative variable that combines T, A, and P (TAP); (2) cortisol; and (3) 7-day food and sleep records. Body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), melatonin concentration, and cardiometabolic marker levels were determined. Circadian health, as assessed by the GCS, differed among children with obesity, overweight, and normal weight, with poorer circadian health among children with obesity. Children with obesity and abdominal obesity had 3.54 and 2.39 greater odds of having poor circadian health, respectively, than did those with normal weight or low WC. The percentage of rhythmicity, a marker of the robustness of the TAP rhythm, and the amplitude, both components of the GCS, decreased with increasing obesity. Different lifestyle behaviors were involved in the association between circadian health and obesity, particularly protein intake (P = 0.024), physical activity level (P = 0.076) and chronotype (P = 0.029). The GCS can capture the relationship between circadian health and obesity in school-age children. Protein intake, physical activity level, and chronotype were involved in this association. Early intervention based on improving circadian health may help to prevent childhood obesity.

Comparative Characteristics of Eating Behavior, Habits, and Patterns of Normal and Overweight Children, Including Obese Children

Introduction: One of the reasons for the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults, and especially children and adolescents, is eating habits and eating behavior, which are formed by the rules of nutrition established in the family. Purpose of the Study: Conduct a comparative assessment of the nature of nutrition and eating habits of overweight schoolchildren, including obesity, and those with normal body weight to justify the development of measures aimed at preventing the formation of overweight and alimentary-related diseases. Materials and Methods: The materials for the study were the data of a survey of 2029 schoolchildren aged 7-17. The survey program included questions reflecting knowledge of the principles of healthy eating and adherence to its principles in family and school meals, the structure and mode of eating were studied. Statistical analysis was carried out using STATISTICA 10 and Microsoft Excel application packages. Parametric methods of analysis were used. Differences were considered statistically significant at p&lt;0.05. Results: A high frequency of adherence to the consumption of high-calorie foods was established, which is typical both for respondents with overweight and obesity, and with normal body weight. In the group of children with overweight and obesity, a higher frequency of food intake was revealed both on weekends and on school days 75.4% versus 65.6% and in the group with normal body weight, respectively, 73.4% versus 60.8% (p≤0.05), which is largely due to the greater proportion of children in this group who eat according to the main diet at school (73.2% versus 59.3%, p≤0.05), as well as attending the canteen in addition to the main nutrition (78.6% vs. 14.3%, (p≤0.05), more often buying main meat and fish dishes (6.7% vs. 4.8%), cereals (1.8% vs. 7%), sausages or wieners (4.0% vs. 1.1%), less often - fruits (2.7% vs. 3.4%), which increases the energy value of the diet compared to children with normal body weight. Conclusion: The study made it possible to identify violations of eating behavior and eating habits in schoolchildren with different BMI indicators, which pose additional risks of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren. Habits in the group of children with overweight, which are the source of the formation of risk factors for diseases associated with overweight and obesity, as well as the peculiarities of eating habits in the group of children with normal body weight. The data obtained require the need to develop preventive measures aimed at creating positive motivation in children to reduce the consumption of critically important nutrients, develop healthy eating habits, and consume food that is balanced with regard to actual energy consumption and physiological need for food and biologically valuable substances.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF FAMILY EATING PATTERNS WITH THE INCIDENCE OF OBESITY IN SCHOOL CHILDREN AT RT. 006 RW. 069 KELURAHAN 16 ULU PALEMBANG

Background: Obesity is a pathological condition, namely the accumulation of excess fat than is required for normal body function. However, there are still many opinions in society that think that obese children are healthy. Objective: This research aims to analyze the relationship between family diet and the incidence of obesity in school children in RT 006 RW. 069 Subdistrict 16 Ulu Palembang. Methodology: The research method is collecting data by direct interviews with respondents and analyzing the data. Results: There were 75% of respondents adopting eating patterns that were not good for their children and 25% of respondents adopting eating patterns that were good for their children. Conclusion: This research shows a p value of 0.016, meaning there is a relationship between eating patterns and incidents. obesity in children with an OR of 8.31, meaning that children who adopt poor eating patterns have an 8.31 chance of experiencing obesity.

Exploring Children's Knowledge of Healthy Eating, Digital Media Use, and Caregivers' Perspectives to Inform Design and Contextual Considerations for Game-Based Interventions in Schools for Low-Income Families in Lima, Peru: Survey Study.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren is increasing in Peru. Given the increased use of digital media, there is potential to develop effective digital health interventions to promote healthy eating practices at schools. This study investigates the needs of schoolchildren in relation to healthy eating and the potential role of digital media to inform the design of game-based nutritional interventions. This study aims to explore schoolchildren's knowledge about healthy eating and use of and preferences for digital media to inform the future development of a serious game to promote healthy eating. A survey was conducted in 17 schools in metropolitan Lima, Peru. The information was collected virtually with specific questions for the schoolchild and their caregiver during October 2021 and November 2021 and following the COVID-19 public health restrictions. Questions on nutritional knowledge and preferences for and use of digital media were included. In the descriptive analysis, the percentages of the variables of interest were calculated. We received 3937 validated responses from caregivers and schoolchildren. The schoolchildren were aged between 8 years and 15 years (2030/3937, 55.8% girls). Of the caregivers, 83% (3267/3937) were mothers, and 56.5% (2223/3937) had a secondary education. Only 5.2% (203/3937) of schoolchildren's homes did not have internet access; such access was through WiFi (2151/3937, 54.6%) and mobile internet (1314/3937, 33.4%). In addition, 95.3% (3753/3937) of schoolchildren's homes had a mobile phone; 31.3% (1233/3937) had computers. In relation to children's knowledge on healthy eating, 42.2% (1663/3937) of schoolchildren did not know the recommendation to consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, 46.7% (1837/3937) of schoolchildren did not identify front-of-package warning labels (FOPWLs), and 63.9% (2514/3937) did not relate the presence of an FOPWL with dietary risk. Most schoolchildren (3100/3937, 78.7%) preferred to use a mobile phone. Only 38.3% (1509/3937) indicated they preferred a computer. In addition, 47.9% (1885/3937) of caregivers considered that the internet helps in the education of schoolchildren, 82.7% (3254/3937) of caregivers gave permission for schoolchildren to play games with digital devices, and 38% (1495/3937) of caregivers considered that traditional digital games for children are inadequate. The results suggest that knowledge about nutrition in Peruvian schoolchildren has limitations. Most schoolchildren have access to the internet, with mobile phones being the device type with the greatest availability and preference for use. Caregivers' perspectives on games and schoolchildren, including a greater interest in using digital games, provide opportunities for the design and development of serious games to improve schoolchildren's nutritional knowledge in Peru. Future research is needed to explore the potential of serious games that are tailored to the needs and preferences of both schoolchildren and their caregivers in Peru in order to promote healthy eating.

Association Between Sociodemographic Status and Physical Functioning of Obese School Going Children- A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Obesity is major non-communicable disease (NCD) all over the world affecting both children &amp; adult. More than 30 million overweight children are living in developing countries &amp; 10 million in developed countries. Childhood obesity leads to a significant reduction in health-related functioning. So, the negative effects of childhood obesity on quality of life (QoL) have to be determined to combat the problem. Objective: To determine the association between sociodemographic status and physical functioning of obese school going children. Methods: This was a cross sectional type of descriptive study conducted at different schools of Rajshahi city from June 2015 to September 2015. Four (4) schools were selected- a) Govt. Laboratory High School, Rajshahi b) Rajshahi Collegiate School c) River view Collectorate School, Rajshahi and d) Rajshahi University School. The study population were 5 to 15 years old obese school children. A total number of 221 children were interviewed. Results: The ages of the respondents were between 4 to 15 years, and the mean age was 7.83±3.058 years. Among the 221 respondents more than half (56.6%) were in 4-7 years of age group, another 24.0% belonged to the age group of 8- 11 years and only 19.5% were 12- 15 years age group. Weight of the respondents was from 20 to 65 kg and mean weight of the respondents was (41.64±10.75). Here, 36.2% weight was from 37-47 kg and 29.0% weight was from 26-36 kg. Another 23.1%, 7.7% and 4.1% weight was from 48-58 kg, 59-69 kg and 15-25 kg respectively. There was no significant relationship with respondent age and sex with physical functioning (p ≥ 0.05). There was a significant relationship with weight and physical functioning (p≤0.05). Conclusions: The sociodemographic status may influence the physical functioning of the obese school going children. Their lifestyle must be modified in this early life otherwise they will be affected by different non communicable disease J Rang Med Col. March 2024; Vol. 9, No. 1: 71-76

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in School Children in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: To identify the characteristics of age groups of children from 10 to 14 years old in terms of the ratio of body weight and length, in particular, the relative number of children with overweight and obesity, and to develop recommendations for reducing body weight for children 10-14 years old. Material and Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey of the health status (overweight and obesity) of school children was conducted on sample 500 school children from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republic Srpska entity), which included 246 boys and 254 girls, aged 10 to 14 years. Anthropometric data including Body height (BH), Body weight (BW) and age were collected from all elementary school children. Body mass index (BMI) is an anthropometric index of weight and height that is calculated by dividing a person's weight (kg) by the square of their height (m^2). BMI participants was estimated with the Percentile BMI calculator for children and teens aged 2-19 years. The studied children were defined as underweight, normal (healthy)-weight, overweight and obese according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) child growth characteristics for age, sex, and BMI. Basic central and dispersion parameters (Mean, Min., Max., Range, SD, CI 95%, CV%, Skew., Kurt.) were calculated for each variable. To confirm normality, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied (p&gt;0.05). The homogeneity of variance was tested with Levene's test. The nutritional status of the subjects was assessed using percentile values on the basis of which the percentile categories are calculated. Statistical procedures and analyzes were performed using the statistical package STATISTICA 10.0 for Windows. Results: The dynamics of changes in the relative number of children with overweight and obesity from 10 to 14 years old was revealed. The lowest number of overweight and obese students was recorded at the age of 14 (1% &lt;). The results of malnutrition in boys point to the conclusion that it is present in a smaller percentage, from 1.96% (age 14) to 6.12% (age 12). The largest number of girls at the age of 13 were overweight, 10 (19.23%) and obese (2%&lt;), and then at the age of 10 and 11 (overweight 15.68% vs. 13.72%, and obesity 1.96% vs 3.92%). Malnutrition as a category is in a slightly higher percentage than for boys, ranging from 3.92% (11 and 12 years) to 7.84% (10 years). Conclusions: If a child is overweight at any age, this should be an alarming signal, as it can provoke weight gain in adulthood or with the slightest decrease in self-control. Therefore, the best strategy would be to create conditions for a child's development in which he will receive joy from other sources, and not just from food and activities that do not require physical activity. Finding even a relatively small number of overweight and obese children is not a benign problem. It requires its own solution, helping such children understand their problem and overcome it.

A Meta-Data Analysis on the Primary and Secondary Health Care Needs to Prevent Obesity among the High School Students in the United States

Obesity in schools has grown to become one of the most dramatic features of the global obesity epidemic, with long-term consequences. It has become a public health challenge globally. This study is a meta data analysis of recently published articles in the refereed journals. Fifteen articles were purposively selected based on the criteria of obesity among the high school students and were analyzed to find the recent changing trends of obesity in schools. The analysis of studies demonstrates that school-aged children in the United States have a high prevalence of obesity. The findings provide evidence for prevention intervention strategies to reduce obesity in school-age children. The finding shows that there is a need for more greater awareness of the issues of obesity in schools and the author recommends the ways and means to reduce the obesity in schools in the United States. It is recommended that a healthy lifestyle during high school age is a must for teenagers to avoid obesity.

Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population-representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults

Underweight and obesity are associated with adverse health outcomes throughout the life course. We estimated the individual and combined prevalence of underweight or thinness and obesity, and their changes, from 1990 to 2022 for adults and school-aged children and adolescents in 200 countries and territories. We used data from 3663 population-based studies with 222 million participants that measured height and weight in representative samples of the general population. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate trends in the prevalence of different BMI categories, separately for adults (age ≥20 years) and school-aged children and adolescents (age 5-19 years), from 1990 to 2022 for 200 countries and territories. For adults, we report the individual and combined prevalence of underweight (BMI <18·5 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). For school-aged children and adolescents, we report thinness (BMI <2 SD below the median of the WHO growth reference) and obesity (BMI >2 SD above the median). From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity in adults decreased in 11 countries (6%) for women and 17 (9%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 that the observed changes were true decreases. The combined prevalence increased in 162 countries (81%) for women and 140 countries (70%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. In 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity was highest in island nations in the Caribbean and Polynesia and Micronesia, and countries in the Middle East and north Africa. Obesity prevalence was higher than underweight with posterior probability of at least 0·80 in 177 countries (89%) for women and 145 (73%) for men in 2022, whereas the converse was true in 16 countries (8%) for women, and 39 (20%) for men. From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of thinness and obesity decreased among girls in five countries (3%) and among boys in 15 countries (8%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80, and increased among girls in 140 countries (70%) and boys in 137 countries (69%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. The countries with highest combined prevalence of thinness and obesity in school-aged children and adolescents in 2022 were in Polynesia and Micronesia and the Caribbean for both sexes, and Chile and Qatar for boys. Combined prevalence was also high in some countries in south Asia, such as India and Pakistan, where thinness remained prevalent despite having declined. In 2022, obesity in school-aged children and adolescents was more prevalent than thinness with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 among girls in 133 countries (67%) and boys in 125 countries (63%), whereas the converse was true in 35 countries (18%) and 42 countries (21%), respectively. In almost all countries for both adults and school-aged children and adolescents, the increases in double burden were driven by increases in obesity, and decreases in double burden by declining underweight or thinness. The combined burden of underweight and obesity has increased in most countries, driven by an increase in obesity, while underweight and thinness remain prevalent in south Asia and parts of Africa. A healthy nutrition transition that enhances access to nutritious foods is needed to address the remaining burden of underweight while curbing and reversing the increase in obesity. UK Medical Research Council, UK Research and Innovation (Research England), UK Research and Innovation (Innovate UK), and European Union.

Investigating the Relationship Between Hypertension and Obesity in Schoolchildren From Lower-Middle Socioeconomic Strata in Urban Mumbai.

Background In light of escalating rates of childhood obesity, understanding the gender-specific correlation between body mass index (BMI) and hypertension has become crucial for effective public health interventions. This study investigates the interplay between BMI and hypertension among school-aged children, with a particular emphasis on gender stratification to identify distinct trends. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted with a diverse sample of 702 schoolchildren aged 5-16 years from a lower-middle-income school in urban Mumbai. This cohort consisted of 491 boys and 211 girls within the gender subset. BMI was calculated using height and weight measurements, while blood pressure readings determined hypertension prevalence. The children were categorized based on the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) growth chart BMI calculations and blood pressure percentiles. SPSS Statistics version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for data analysis. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, with p-values <0.05 deemed significant. Results The overall prevalence of overweight was 16.52%, with 15.89% in boys and 18.10% in girls, revealing no significant gender difference (p = 0.487). In terms of obesity, the overall prevalence was 10.83%, with 10.99% in boys and 10.34% in girls, revealing no significant gender difference (p = 0.823). The prevalence of pre-hypertension was 7%, exhibiting a significantly higher prevalence in high BMI males (overweight and obese) versus non-high BMI males (normal and underweight) (p < 0.001); however, no such difference was observed in females (p = 0.289). The prevalence of hypertension was 15.95% with a significantly higher prevalence in high BMI males (overweight and obese) versus non-high BMI males (normal and underweight) (p < 0.001) and high BMI females (overweight and obese) versus non-high BMI females (normal and underweight) (p < 0.001). Hypertension was significantly higher in children with high BMI (overweight and obese) compared to their non-high BMI (normal and underweight) counterparts. Conclusions In lower-middle socioeconomic strata schoolchildren in urban Mumbai, the prevalence of obesity and hypertension was alarmingly high, attributed to shifting lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits. Hypertension rates were notably elevated among overweight and obese individuals compared to normal and underweight individuals. More than a third of both boys and girls with obesity were diagnosed with hypertension, emphasizing a concerning surge in hypertension cases among children. Prioritizing age-specific blood pressure assessments can facilitate early identification and timely interventions.

Childhood obesity - risk factors and prevention strategies

Introduction and purpose: Obesity is one of the most serious health challenges in modern society. Over the last 40 years, the number of obese school-age children has increased tenfold. This not only has significant consequences for physical health, but also affects psychosocial aspects and the quality of life of the young generation. The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature on obesity among children and adolescents, focused on identifying the main risk factors and analyzing effective forms of prevention. Materials and methods: A review of the literature available in the "PubMed" database and books was conducted. The search was performed by using the following keywords: "childhood obesity", "childhood obesity risk factors", “childhood obesity prevention” State of knowledge: The risk factors for obesity in children and adolescents include genetic factors, endocrine diseases, improper diet, low physical activity, low socioeconomic status, stress, psychological factors, short sleep time, medications, hypothalamic obesity and H. pylori. As part of the prevention of obesity in children and adolescents, it is recommended to develop appropriate habits in children and adolescents. The influence of parents on health behaviors in children is important. Top-down activities such as health campaigns and legal regulations also have a significant impact. Summary: Due to research conducted over the years, awareness of obesity risk factors has increased. To effectively prevent this disease, an integrated approach is necessary, taking into account both education and changes in the social environment. Implementing these strategies requires cooperation at local, regional, national and international levels.