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Predictors of weight status in school-aged children: a prospective cohort study

Silvia Bel-Serrat1, Mirjam M Heinen2, John Mehegan2

  • 1National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. silvia.belserrat@ucd.ie.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|November 18, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Childhood overweight and obesity are predicted by initial body mass index (BMI) and school socioeconomic status. Healthier lifestyle choices, like regular sports club attendance and good fruit intake, reduce obesity risk in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern with long-term implications.
  • Identifying predictors of overweight/obesity is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively investigate predictors of overweight/obesity and body mass index (BMI) change in schoolchildren.
  • To identify key factors influencing the development and progression of childhood obesity.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 2755 Irish children (aged 6-10 years) was studied.
  • Objective measurements of height and weight were used to calculate BMI.
  • Multivariate mixed logistic regression models analyzed lifestyle indicators and socioeconomic factors.

Main Results:

  • Baseline BMI (OR=6.46) and school socioeconomic level (OR=2.12) were significant predictors of overweight/obesity.
  • Reduced odds of overweight/obesity were associated with no savory snack consumption (OR=0.22) and frequent sports/dancing club attendance (OR=0.41).
  • Poor fruit intake (OR=2.16) was linked to a higher risk of overweight/obesity.

Conclusions:

  • Initial BMI is the primary predictor of subsequent overweight/obesity in children.
  • Lifestyle behaviors, while having a lesser effect than prior BMI, significantly impact obesity risk.
  • Preventive programs are essential due to the difficulty in reversing established overweight/obesity conditions.
Abstract

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