Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training
Published on: July 27, 2022
Energy balance and physical activity in obese children attending day-care centres
F Vásquez1, G Salazar, M Andrade
1Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Insights
Obese preschoolers consume more energy than they expend, showing sedentary behavior at day-care centers. Improving nutrition and physical activity is crucial for these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Obesity Research
- Childhood Nutrition and Physical Activity
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Preschool-aged children attending day-care centers are a key demographic for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the energy balance and physical activity patterns of obese preschool children in Santiago City, Chile.
- To identify potential areas for intervention in day-care settings and at home.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 24 obese preschool children (3-5 years old).
- Total energy expenditure (TEE) measured using doubly labeled water.
- Physical activity assessed with TRITRAC R3D motion sensors.
- Energy intake evaluated through direct measurement and home dietary records.
Main Results:
- Obese children exhibited a 5.4% higher energy intake than estimated requirements.
- Daily energy intake was approximately 7716 kJ/day for boys and 7401 kJ/day for girls.
- Children were more sedentary (62% minimal activity) at day-care centers compared to weekends at home (52%).
- Light physical activity was higher on weekends, while moderate-to-vigorous activity remained low (3-5%).
Conclusions:
- Reducing dietary energy at day-care centers can help balance energy needs during the week.
- Obese preschoolers display sedentary behavior, though they are more active during weekend home time.
- Interventions focusing on improving nutrition and increasing physical activity levels are recommended for educators and parents.
Objective:
To evaluate energy balance and physical activity in obese preschool children attending day-care centres.
Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Subjects:
Twenty-four 3-5 years old obese children selected at random from four different day-care centres in Santiago City, Chile. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured by doubly labelled water and physical activity as recorded by TRITRAC R3D motion sensor. Energy intake was assessed by measuring food intake while at the centre, along with the recording of additional food intake in the home.
Results:
Obese children had a 5.4% higher weighed energy intake than their energy requirements 2001. Energy intake during the week was 7716+/-1092 kJ/day and 7401+/-1023 kJ/day in boys and girls, respectively. Minimal activity was higher in the day-care centres (62%) compared to 52% during the weekend at home. Light activity was higher during the weekend at home than during the week (25 versus 20%), but moderate-intense activity was similar (3-5%).
Conclusions:
Reduction in dietary energy provided at the day-care centres helps to balance energy requirements during the week. Obese children had marked sedentary characteristics with regards to physical activity, although children are more active at home in weekends. This situation suggests that educators and parents need to improve children's physical activity levels and nutrition habits.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Obesity
01:19Energy Balance