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Physical activity mediates the protective effect of the Mediterranean diet on children's obesity status: The CYKIDS

Chrystalleni Lazarou1, Demosthenes B Panagiotakos, Antonia-Leda Matalas

  • 1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece. stalolaz@logosnet.cy.net

Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|July 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) was linked to lower obesity risk in children aged 9-13. However, physical activity and maternal obesity were more significant predictors of childhood obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Obesity Research
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Limited data exists on the Mediterranean diet's (MD) association with childhood obesity.
  • Previous studies suggest a link between MD adherence and adult obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and obesity status in children.
  • To assess the role of the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED) score in predicting obesity.

Main Methods:

  • A national cross-sectional study involving 1140 children (aged 9-13) in Cyprus.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated using International Obesity Task Force criteria.
  • KIDMED score used to assess MD adherence; logistic regression applied for analysis.

Main Results:

  • Children with high KIDMED scores showed an 80% reduced likelihood of being overweight/obese (OW/OB) compared to low adherers, after adjustments.
  • This association lost significance when physical activity was included in the model.
  • Male gender, maternal obesity, and dietary behaviors were stronger predictors of childhood obesity than KIDMED score.

Conclusions:

  • Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) is inversely associated with obesity in 9- to 13-year-old children.
  • Physical activity, maternal obesity, and dietary beliefs/behaviors appear to be more significant factors in childhood obesity prediction.
Abstract

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