Correlates of weight gain in German children attending elementary school

To examine the association of physical fitness, sports participation, physical activity and sedentary behavior as well as dietary patterns and family background with weight gain in non-overweight elementary school children, independent of absolute body weight.

Height, weight, and physical fitness were assessed in 1249 (51% male) children in south-west Germany during the fall of 2010 and 2011 (age at baseline: 7.0±0.6years). Based on changes in body mass index percentiles children were classified into a weight loss, constant weight, or weight gain group. Health behavior and family background were assessed via parent questionnaire. Group differences were examined via analysis of variance and multinomial logistic regression.

Weight gain was associated with low physical activity, lack of active transport, and lack of regular breakfast at follow-up. Children in the weight gain category also displayed lower fitness during baseline and follow-up, but differences were more pronounced during follow-up. TV time, migration background or parental education was not associated with weight gain.

Ensuring adequate physical activity and high fitness is an important aspect in the prevention of excessive weight gain during childhood. In addition to sports participation active transport should be emphasized in future weight management programs in children.