Weight Of School Children Research Articles

Early childhood adversity and body mass index in childhood and adolescence: linking registry data on adversities with school health records of 53,401 children from Copenhagen.

We examined whether childhood adversity experienced in early childhood (0-5 years) is related to body mass index (BMI) in childhood (6-7 years) and adolescence (12-15 years). This study combined data from the nationwide register-based DANLIFE study on childhood adversities with data on height and weight of school children in Copenhagen. Data were available for 53,401 children born in Denmark between 1980 and 1996. Children were divided into groups of early childhood adversity by applying group-based multi-trajectory modelling using their yearly count of childhood adversity in three dimensions (i.e., material deprivation, loss or threat of loss, and family dynamics) from 0-5 years. Direct and total associations between the early childhood adversity groups and BMI z-scores in childhood and adolescence were estimated using sex-stratified structural equation models. Five exclusive and exhaustive groups of early childhood adversity were identified, which were characterized by low adversity (51%), moderate material deprivation (30%), high material deprivation (14%), loss or threat of loss (3%) and high adversity (2%). Boys and girls exposed to moderate or high material deprivation and loss or threat of loss had a slightly higher BMI z-score, especially in adolescence, compared with those in the low adversity group, with the strongest association found for girls in the loss or threat of loss group (b (95% CI) = 0.18 (0.10, 0.26)). Additionally, boys in the high adversity group had a slightly lower BMI z-score in childhood than boys in the low adversity group (b (95% CI) = -0.12 (-0.22, -0.02)). Whereas associations with BMI were found for children and adolescents exposed to material deprivation, loss or threat of loss, and high adversity, the effect sizes were generally small. Contrary to prevailing hypotheses, weight changes in childhood is probably not a major explanatory mechanism linking early childhood adversity with later-life morbidity.

The occurrence of allergic diseases in children with normal weight, excess body weight and obesity: a comparative analysis

Aim to study the prevalence of allergic diseases (AD), excess body weight and obesity in school children and to analyze the correlations between the AD diagnosis and body weight.
 Material and methods. During the single-stage observational study, 1503 children aged from 7 to 14 years received medical checkup. In all children, we measured anthropometric data, calculated body mass index and standard sigma deviation with the following assessment. The information about the presence of AD was obtained from the primary medical documentation of schoolchildren. Then, we conducted a telephone survey of the parents of the examined children to clarify the data on the presence of allergopathology in them.
 Results. The prevalence of excess body weight in school-children was 20.9%, obesity 13.5%. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AtD) according to the medical record was 6.72%, allergic rhinitis (AR) 6.65%, bronchial asthma (BA) 1.86%. The statistical analysis of mentioned diseases revealed no correlation between the increased body weight and the prevalence of AD both in the general cohort of children, and when stratified by age and gender. The comparative analysis of the telephone survey data on the prevalence of allergopathology in overweight and obese children provided statistically significant results: with the weight gain, the prevalence of the studied allergic diseases was increasing.
 Conclusion. The results of the study did not reveal a statistically significant positive association between excess body weight, obesity and the presence of AD in the children of the examined group. However, the differences in the prevalence of allergopathology in schoolchildren according to primary medical documentation and the results of a telephone survey of parents indicate the need for a deeper study of the problem and an epidemiological study of the true prevalence of AD in children, followed by an analysis of the association between these conditions.

Understanding weight status and dietary intakes among Australian school children by remoteness: a cross-sectional study.

To determine whether primary school children's weight status and dietary behaviours vary by remoteness as defined by the Australian Modified Monash Model (MMM). A cross-sectional study design was used to conduct secondary analysis of baseline data from primary school students participating in a community-based childhood obesity trial. Logistic mixed models estimated associations between remoteness, measured weight status and self-reported dietary intake. Twelve regional and rural Local Government Areas in North-East Victoria, Australia. Data were collected from 2456 grade 4 (approximately 9-10 years) and grade 6 (approximately 11-12 years) students. The final sample included students living in regional centres (17·4 %), large rural towns (25·6 %), medium rural towns (15·1 %) and small rural towns (41·9 %). Weight status did not vary by remoteness. Compared to children in regional centres, those in small rural towns were more likely to meet fruit consumption guidelines (OR: 1·75, 95 % CI (1·24, 2·47)) and had higher odds of consuming fewer takeaway meals (OR: 1·37, 95 % CI (1·08, 1·74)) and unhealthy snacks (OR = 1·58, 95 % CI (1·15, 2·16)). Living further from regional centres was associated with some healthier self-reported dietary behaviours. This study improves understanding of how dietary behaviours may differ across remoteness levels and highlights that public health initiatives may need to take into account heterogeneity across communities.

PREVALENCE OF POSTURAL CHANGES IN SCHOOL CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS.

Investigate the prevalence of postural changes and correlate them with body weight and the weight of schoolchildren's backpacks in a school in the city of São João del-Rei-MG. Material and. The study is an original type, with a cross-sectional design, where 109 schoolchildren of both sexes and mean age of 13 years were evaluated. The New York scale was used for posture analysis, measuring body weight, height, backpack weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI). The ANOVA statistical test and Pearson's correlation test were used, considering a significance level of 0.05. According to the results, the general average of the scores of postural problems was 68.7 points, with a predominance in the head, spine, hips, trunk, and abdomen. The regions of shoulder, feet, and neck presented mean scores below seven. The mean height was 1.61 m, body weight 56.03 kg, backpack weight 4.49 kg and BMI was 21.51 kg/m. Postural alterations are highly prevalent among the evaluated students. The most affected body segments are the head, spine, hips, trunk, and abdomen. However, this finding was not related to the weight of the backpacks or the students' body weight. However, different parameters must be used to analyze the factors that may be related to such findings, such as ergonomic changes, inadequate habits, growth spurt, among others. Evidence Level III,Cross-sectional Observational Study.

Self-Perception of Body Weight in Schoolchildren in Northeastern Mexico.

Mexican schoolchildren are among the individuals most affected by obesity in the world. It has been observed that body-image dissatisfaction has increased in children. We evaluated their body weight perception and its relationship with actual weight; we compared this variable on three different scales according to age and sex and determined the sensitivity and specificity of these scales. This cross-sectional study was conducted with students from public and private schools in Northeastern Mexico. Boys and girls aged 6-12 years (n = 533) were included in this study. To assess the body weight perception, the following scales were used: (A) Collins (figure rating scale), (B) Eckstein (parents' perceptions of their child's weight and health scale), and (C) Truby and Paxton (children's body image scale). Agreement was evaluated using the Cohen's kappa test, determining the sensitivity and specificity. Girls and children aged 10-12 years were more likely to perceive themselves adequately (their self-perception corresponds to the figure that indicates their weight status). The children showed increased body-image distortion in the three scales. In terms of sensitivity and specificity, children with overweight or obesity were more precisely identified in scale A, whereas a healthy weight was more clearly identified in scale C.

Food environment and excess weight in schoolchildren: a South American systematic reviewAmbiente alimentario y exceso de peso en la población escolar: revisión sistemática en América del Sur

To identify and compile the findings of observational studies analyzing the relationship of factors from the school food environment and individual factors related to food consumption in school with excess weight in schoolchildren from South America in the period from 2011 to 2021. The literature review involved a search performed in five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, Scopus, and LILACS) and in Google Scholar, as well as a consultation with specialists. Studies were selected if they had an observational design, included schoolchildren aged 5 to 19 years, were performed in South America, and used objective measures such as body mass index (World Health Organization and/or International Obesity Task Force) to assess weight in association with school food environment factors and individual school consumption factors. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020212383). Of 906 identified records, 13 cross-sectional studies (one from Argentina, one from Ecuador, and 11 from Brazil) were included in the review. The prevalence of overweight ranged from 7.5% to 32.5%, and of obesity, from 1.7% to 28.0%. School environment factors from the policy and physical domains (such as unsatisfactory food and nutrition education and unavailability of school-prepared meals) were associated with increased prevalence of excess weight. Individual factors related to adherence to the school meal program (such as consumption of meals offered by the school instead of bringing a snack from home) were associated with lower prevalence of excess weight. Only a few studies are available in South America with a focus on individual and/or school food environment factors and excess weight in schoolchildren. Since the available evidence is restricted to local or regional contexts, new national-level studies are warranted.

School health programs of physical education and/or diet among pupils of primary and secondary school levels I and II linked to body mass index: A systematic review protocol within the project From Science 2 School.

The most common causes of death in Western countries today are preventable diseases mainly attributed to daily behavior. It has been well documented that genetics are influential but not the deciding factor for developing non-communicable diseases. Ideally, the public should be educated to perform methods of optimal health and wellbeing independently, meaning that individuals should be in control of their health without relying on others. As behavior is known to be consistent over time, good or poor health behavior will track from childhood into adulthood. Physical activity and diet are permanently linked to the individual's state of health, and when properly balanced, the effects on personal health summate, resulting in greater benefits from this dual-approach for public health. The objective is to highlight the different approaches (physical intervention, nutritional intervention, and dual-approach of diet and exercise) and identify effective interventions for sustainable body weight and healthy body mass index in school children. A systematic review will be conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The review will assess school-based diet and exercise interventions on children in primary and secondary school levels I and II. Overweight and obesity develop as a result of a prolonged imbalance in the energy balance model, with both physical activity and diet being influential in the fluctuation of body weight. A dual-approach including physical activity and diet could therefore be a very promising method to promote sustainable healthy body weight in school children.

Impact of school meals on educational outcomes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

This study evaluated the impact of the Addis Ababa School Feeding Program (SFP) on educational outcomes. Single-group repeated measurement/longitudinal study design and multistage stratified sampling design were followed. Effect sizes estimates, repeated measures ANOVA, Chi-square, Generalised Additive Mixed Model and mixed effects negative binomial regression were used. Academic scores, attendance and dropout and height and weight of schoolchildren were collected. School Feeding Programs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Schoolchildren in primary schools and school directors and teachers in fifteen randomly selected schools for Key Informant Interview (KII). Anthropometric measurements of 4500 schoolchildren were taken from 50 schools. Academic scores of 3924 schoolchildren from 46 schools, class attendance records of 1584 schoolchildren from 18 schools and annual enrolment records of 50 schools were gathered. School meals achieved a minimum to large scale effects on educational outcomes with effect sizes (η2) of academic scores (boys = 0·023, girls = 0·04), enrolment (girls = 0·001, boys = 0·05) and attendance (Cramer's V = 0·2). The average scores of girls were significantly higher than that of boys (P < 0·0001). Height-for-age in all schoolchildren (P < 0·01) and BMI-for-age Z-scores in adolescent girls of 15-19 years (P < 0·0001) never had a significant positive relationship with average scores. Significant relation was observed between nutritional status and attendance (P = 0·021). KII showed that SFP created convenient teaching-learning environment and reduced hunger in schools, while boosting enrolment, attendance and academic performance among the schoolchildren. The Addis Ababa SFP has positively contributed to educational outcomes. Strengthening the program would enhance nutritional outcomes and diminish educational inequalities.

Independent and Combined Association of Lifestyle Behaviours and Physical Fitness with Body Weight Status in Schoolchildren.

(1) Background: Lifestyle behaviours and physical fitness play a critical role in the development of childhood obesity. It has been demonstrated in this study that self-reported physical fitness is representative of a healthy lifestyle and thus is associated with a lower incidence of overweight/obesity. The objective of this study was to analyse the independent and combined association of lifestyles (physical activity, screen time, diet and hours of sleep) and self-reported physical fitness with body weight in schoolchildren. (2) Methods: This study performed a descriptive and cross-sectional analysis. The study sample consisted of 864 schoolchildren between 8–9 years old from 26 schools of the province of Cádiz. To measure lifestyles and self-reported physical fitness, questionnaires were administered to both schoolchildren and families. To obtain the body weight status, the children were measured by body mass index (BMI). To verify the influence of lifestyles and self-reported physical fitness on the body weight status of schoolchildren, a combined score of lifestyles and self-reported physical fitness was calculated. (3) Results: Schoolchildren who followed healthier lifestyles and presented good physical fitness had a better body weight status (p < 0.001). Schoolchildren who had less healthful lifestyles and bad physical fitness had a 10.34 times higher risk of being overweight or obese (p = 0.004). (4) Conclusions: It has been shown that there is an independent and combined association between lifestyles and physical fitness on the body weight of the schoolchildren. We have suggested strategies to get children to adopt healthy lifestyles and good physical fitness to maintain a healthy body weight and prevent obesity.

Relationship between "Blue Space" Proximity and Children's Weight Status, Health Behaviors, and Health-Related Quality of Life among a Sample of Regional Victorian Primary School Children.

Background: Access to green space (e.g., parks and gardens) has been associated with child health and wellbeing, whereas blue space (e.g., coasts, lakes, and rivers) is understudied. Our aim was to determine whether proximity to the coast was associated with primary school children's weight status, modifiable health-related behaviors, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: Exploratory cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Whole of Systems Trial of Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity (WHOSTOPS) study, to estimate gender-specific differences in weight and behaviors across four bands of distance from the coast (<5 km, 5 to <25 km, 25 to <50 km, ≥50 km). Linear and logistic models, with robust standard errors, adjusted for school year level, area-level socioeconomic position and rurality, and allowing for distance by gender interaction were fitted on data from 1216 children (aged 8.5-13 years). Main outcomes were weight status (categorical), physical activity (PA) (categorical), and global HRQoL score (continuous). Results: Compared with girls living in towns ≥50 km from the coast, those living within 5 km had lower odds for overweight/obesity [odds ratio (OR) = 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37-0.67] and higher mean moderate-to-vigorous PA minutes (accelerometry) (β = 8.7; 95% CI: 2.0-15.5) and global HRQoL (β = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.4-5.0). Compared with boys living ≥50 km from the coast, those living within 5 km had higher odds of meeting self-reported PA guidelines (≥60 minutes/day) for ≥5 days (OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.75-3.10), and higher mean global HRQoL scores (β = 5.6; 95% CI: 1.9-9.3). Conclusions: Living close to the coast was associated with some favorable health outcomes and behaviors, which differed between girls and boys.

Clusters obesogênicos: condutas do estilo de vida relacionadas ao excesso de peso corporal em escolares

abstract The objective of the study was to identify the existence of clusters in multiple lifestyle behaviors, including fruits/vegetables intake, sweetened products/soft drinks intake, sleep duration, physical activity and sedentary behavior. In sequence, the association between identified clusters and excess body weight in schoolchildren was examined. This was a cross-sectional school-based epidemiological study with approximately 17 thousand schoolchildren aged 4-20 years who participated in the Parana Health Project. Questionnaire was applied with structured questions to collect lifestyle behaviors. Excess body weight was identified through body mass index. Cluster analysis was performed to identify sex-specific clusters of multiple lifestyle behaviors. Analysis of covariance and logistic regression were used to analyze associations between clusters and excess body weight. Five clusters were identified in both sexes. Schoolchildren in the cluster characterized by lower fruits/vegetables intake and greater time spent in sedentary behavior showed close to twice the chance of having excess body weight compared to their peers in the reference cluster (girls: OR=1.98 [1.41-2.93]; boys: OR=1.94 [1.39-3.01]). In the case of schoolchildren in the cluster characterized by high sweetened products/soft drinks intake and shorter sleep duration, the chances of having excess body weight were 69% in girls (OR=1.69 [1.23-2.67]) and 73% in boys (OR=1.73 [1.25-2.91]). In conclusion, high fruits/vegetables intake, low sweetened products/soft drinks intake, longer sleep duration and less sedentary behavior was considered the most effective combination for maintaining a healthy body weight in the sample of schoolchildren.

Relationship between physical activity and sleep recommendations compliance and excess weight among school children from Temuco, Chile.

Given the importance of physical activity and sleep for health, different recommendations have been proposed for the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to determine the association between physical activity and sleep recommendations compliance and excess weight in school children from Temuco, Chile. Physical activity and sleep were measured using ActiGraph wGT3X-BT® accelerometers. Excess weight was categorized on two categories: absence (normal weight) or presence (overweight or obesity) based on body mass index. A total of 183 school children participated (54.1 % were females; mean age = 10.95 ± 1.07). Of them, 85.4 % did not meet physical activity recommendations, whereas 75.6% did not meet sleep recommendations. Significant differences were observed in favor of boys over girls in relation to moderate and vigorous physical activity (p = 0.002), but this was not the case for amount of sleep. School children with excess weight showed less time spent in moderate and vigorous activity (p = 0.004) and a lower amount of sleep (p = 0.010) than normal weight ones. Non-compliance with physical activity recommendations was associated with excess weight (odds ratio [OR] = 8.178; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.465-45.635; p = 0.017), but this was not observed in relation to sleep recommendations. A high percentage of school children do not meet the recommendations for physical activity and sleep. Associations were observed by sex and presence of excess weight. Strategies are required to promote compliance with these recommendations in the pediatric population.

Schoolchildren’s Body Mass Index and Dietary Practices Vary Across Socio-Economic Status in Kenya

Abstract Objectives We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among schoolchildren at different levels of socio-economic status in Kenya. We explore children's weight status and dietary practices in the current analysis. Methods The research study was conducted in Nairobi and Kisumu, the largest and the third-largest cities in Kenya. Three public schools, catering to children from households at low, medium and high socio-economic status were purposively selected to participate in the study in each city. Data was collected among children within the ages of 10–12 years enrolled in grades 4–6 at each school. Trained enumerators measured children's weights and heights. Parents, with the help of their respective schoolchildren, completed questionnaires on schoolchildren's dietary practices including consumption of fruits, vegetables, snacks foods, confectioneries, beverages and restaurant foods. Completed sets of body measurements and dietary practices data were available for 390 children. We used Wilcoxon-Mann Whitney, Kruskal Wallis and chi-square tests to compare schoolchildren's weight status and dietary practices across cities and school income status. Results Over 15% of the schoolchildren were overweight, 5.5% were obese and 3% were stunted. Schoolchildren's weight status did not significantly differ across cities. However, % of overweight or obese children were significantly higher among children attending high-income schools compared to those in middle- and low-income schools. Frequency of consumption of red meats, fries and take-away foods, and amount of fruit juice consumed per week were significantly higher among children enrolled in high-income schools. Frequency of consumption of breakfast, eating meals in front of a screen and amount of milk consumed per week were significantly lower among children enrolled in low-income schools. Conclusions This study increases our understanding of dietary practices and overweight and obesity patterns among schoolchildren, and contributes to obesity prevention efforts in Kenya. Additional analysis will explore the relationship between dietary practices, and overweight and obesity. Funding Sources John Hopkins University.

SPECIFIC FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN LIVING IN A HIGH-MOUNTAIN REGION IN THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

The study included 10,480 urban and rural schoolchildren aged 7-17 years, born in the high-mountain area of the Naryn oblast of the Kyrgyz Republic, located at more than 2500 m above sea level. Statistical parameters of body length and weight, chest circumference were studied. The greatest increment in the body length in urban boys falls to 14 years (rate of increase 5.69%), and that for rural boys - to 13 years of age (rate of increase 5.18%), the annual increase in the body length in urban and rural schoolgirls is lower than the average increase in boys by 31% and 16 % respectively. The greatest gender differences between boys and girls are found at the age of 12 years, after which the rate of longitudinal growth of girls decreases. In boys, increments in longitudinal height sharply rise at the age of 14 years. Average arithmetic indices of body length and weight of schoolchildren in Bishkek (2013) are significantly higher in all age groups as compared to the body length and weight of schoolchildren in the city of Naryn.

Knowledge and Practices of School Children and Teachers Regarding Musculoskeletal Problems: An Educational Intervention

The present study aimed to evaluate knowledge and practices of school children and teachers regarding musculoskeletal problems. Design: A quasi experimental design was used. Setting: This study was carried out at two preparatory schools, Al Kholfaa Al Rashdean, and Al Shahid Ahmad Hamdy in El-Massera district, Helwan, Cairo Governorate. Sample: A stratified multi-stage cluster random sample was used for selection of 253 school children and all teachers in both selected schools who constitute 145 teachers. Data were collected through two main tools: I-An interviewing questionnaire to assess general characteristics of school children and teachers, school children weight, and history of musculoskeletal problems, school children and teachers' knowledge regarding musculoskeletal problems. II-Observational checklist to assess practice of school children and teachers regarding to school bag weight, lifting, carrying and favorable postures techniques during standing and sitting. Results of this study showed that there was highly statistically significant difference between pre, post and follow up after two months of implementation of an educational intervention on school children and teachers' knowledge and health practices regarding musculoskeletal problems and its’ prevention. Conclusion: An educational intervention is positively improved school children and teachers' knowledge and health practices regarding musculoskeletal problems among school children. Recommendation: Dissemination of an educational intervention improves school children and teachers' knowledge and health practices regarding musculoskeletal problems

OVERWEIGHT IN SCHOOLCHILDREN AND ASSOCIATION WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PARENTAL HABITS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Excess weight in childhood and adolescence is an important health problem that tends to persist in adulthood. Among the causes of this increase there appears to be a consensus on emphasizing physical activity as an excellent strategy to achieve better weight control, and on considering some models of parental practices essential for the acquisition of healthy habits in young people. Objective: To study the role of physical activity (undertaken by children and their parents) in the prevalence of overweight in Spanish schoolchildren. Methods: We studied 1687 schoolchildren aged between 13 and 17 years and 2335 mothers and fathers. The body mass index (BMI) of each child was calculated and information was collected on the physical activity level of the children and the parental physical activity level and BMI. Results: The schoolchildren analyzed have a higher prevalence of excess weight than the national average, significantly associated with age, sex, and excess weight of the mother, showing no significant association with the level of physical activity, but instead with the parental level of physical activity. Discussion: As predictive variables for excess weight in schoolchildren we found sex, age and excess weight of the mother. Conclusion: There is a prevalence of obesity and overweight in the sample of schoolchildren studied, and this is significantly associated with age rather than with physical activity. This prevalence is also significantly associated with the excess weight of the parents and with the level of physical activity of the father, which appears to confirm the influence of family characteristics and household physical activity in excess weight among schoolchildren. Level of Evidence I; Diagnostic studies - Investigating a diagnostic test.

Effect of "Super 8 Law" implementation on body composition of schoolchildren during the National Holidays in Chile. Longitudinal-ecological study

several public health programs are being implemented to combat childhood obesity in the world. However, the impact of Chilean Law n.o 20,606, which regulates the sale and advertising of foods high in critical nutrients ("Super 8 Law") about a critical period in the increase of body weight in schoolchildren, such as National Holiday (NH), has not yet been evaluated. establish the effect of NH on various body composition indicators before and after the implementation of the Super 8 Law. 110 schoolchildren between 10 and 13 years of age participated in this study, and 48 finished it after one year of follow-up (23 children and 25 girls). Body weight, body mass index (Zscore-BMI), triponderal mass index (TMI), fat mass index (FMI), percentage of fat mass and muscle mass during the four weeks of September 2015 (without law) and 2016 (with law). An ANOVA for repeated measures and adjusted for covariates was applied. body weight (0.327 and 0.556 kg), Zscore-BMI (0.057 and 0.085) and fat percentage (0.1 and 0.9%) increased significantly during both NH (without and with law, respectively). Compared to 2015, FMI and TMI do not show significant increases during 2016, however, there are no significant differences in any of the variables studied after the implementation of the law. despite observing slight advances in certain parameters of body composition between one year and another, the implementation of the Super 8 Law in Chile does not seem to generate a preventive effect during NH.

Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Healthy Exercise, Eating, and Lifestyle Program for Primary Schools.

Reversing decline in physical fitness and increase in excess body weight in school children are considered major public health challenges. We evaluated a proposed model to integrate a screening and healthy exercise, eating, and lifestyle program (HEELP) into primary schools in Canberra, Australia. Objectives were: (1) to establish body status and physical competencies of 5- to 10-year-old children; (2) to evaluate the service's impact on body status and physical fitness; and (3) to gauge parent/guardian and school perspectives on the service. A mixed-methods approach was used over 4 school years, 2010-2013. Primary evaluation used direct quantitative measurement. Confirmatory qualitative methods were implemented in the last 2 years. The service was delivered on 71 occasions involving 25 schools; 7750 children were screened and 709 completed all aspects of the HEELP evaluation. Over 60% of children screened had 2 or more measures that would benefit from remedial intervention. All body status and physical fitness measures showed small beneficial changes on a population basis immediately after the HEELP. Further benefit did not accrue at 6 months after the program. Semistructured interviews with schools and parent/guardian surveys confirmed some beneficial effects observed by direct quantitative measurement.

Hyperuricemia is associated with low cardiorespiratory fitness levels and excess weight in schoolchildren

ObjectiveTo evaluate the possible association between hyperuricemia and cardiorespiratory fitness levels/nutritional profile, grouped into a single variable, in schoolchildren. MethodCross‐sectional study of 2335 students from Elementary schools, aged 7–17 years of both genders, stratified by conglomerates of a municipality in Southern Brazil. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was assessed by the 6‐minute run/walk test. The BMI and CRF were grouped into a single variable, considering: (1) low and normal weight/fit; (2) low and normal weight/unfit; (3) overweight‐obesity/fit; (4) overweight‐obesity/unfit. The Poisson regression (prevalence ratio, PR) was used for the association between hyperuricemia and BMI/CRF ratio with 95% confidence intervals and differences were considered significant when p<0.05. ResultsThere is an association, although subtle, between the presence of hyperuricemia with low levels of CRF and the presence of excess weight, when grouped into a single variable. Boys and girls with this condition have higher prevalence of hyperuricemia (PR: 1.07; p=0.007 for boys; PR: 1.10; p<0.001 for girls). ConclusionTogether, excess weight and low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with the presence of hyperuricemia in schoolchildren.

The fight against overweight and obesity in school children: Public policy in Mexico.

Excess weight in schoolchildren is a serious health problem in Mexico. In 2010, the government established General Guidelines for Dispensing or Distribution of Foods and Beverages at School Food Establishments (SFEs) in Elementary Schools with the objective of stopping the epidemic of overweight and obesity. This study aimed to evaluate compliance with the Guidelines during two academic years. With a sample of 39 schools already randomly selected, we carried out a follow-up study. The research team recorded foods and beverages available at schools in two academic years, and compared their nutritional characteristics to those established in the Guidelines. At the schools in both stages of the study, we found broad availability of energy-dense foods not allowed in the SFEs. Vegetables, fruits, and plain water accounted for less than 7per cent of the foods and drinks. We observed no changes between stages in the compliance the Guidelines.