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[Obesity in children]
F Ben Mami Ben Miled1, S Dakhli, S Blouza
1Institut National de Nutrition, Tunis.
Insights
This study found 5.25% childhood obesity in 951 children aged 6-12 in Ariana. Obese children often had obese parents and unhealthy eating habits, indicating a need for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing pediatric obesity.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors in specific populations is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of obesity among primary school children aged 6-12 years in Ariana.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with obesity in this pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted involving 951 children from two primary schools in Ariana.
- Children's weight and height were measured and compared to standard deviations.
- Parental obesity, birth order, and dietary habits were assessed.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of obesity was found to be 5.25% (50 children).
- Obese children exhibited weight and height exceeding 3 standard deviations above normal.
- A significant proportion of obese children had one or two obese parents (66%) and were either the oldest or youngest child (74%).
- Dietary analysis revealed excessive caloric intake, characterized by high sugar (hyperglucidic) and protein (hyperprotidic) content, along with behavioral eating issues.
Conclusions:
- Childhood obesity is prevalent in the studied Ariana population.
- Parental obesity and birth order are associated with childhood obesity.
- Dietary patterns, including high sugar and protein intake and behavioral issues, contribute to childhood obesity.
Abstract:
The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the frequency of the obesity in the population of 951 children aged between 6 and 12 years old, scholarized in two primary schools situate in Ariana. We found 50 obese children between them (5.25%). The weight and the height of these children were more than 3 standards deviations compared to the normal. 66% of these children have one or two obese parents and 74% were the oldest or the youngest child in the family. The food intake was more important than the normal and it was hyperglucidic rich in sugar and hyperprotidic with troubles of dietetic comportment.