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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
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[Family environment, physical activity and sedentarism in preadolescents with childhood obesity: ANOBAS case-control
Miriam Blanco1, Oscar L Veiga2, Ana R Sepúlveda1
1Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España.
Insights
Children with obesity engage in less vigorous physical activity and have different family environments compared to normal-weight peers. Promoting healthy habits is crucial for weight management in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Physical activity and family environment are key factors influencing weight status in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors in obese versus normal-weight children.
- To analyze the family environment's role in physical activity related to childhood obesity.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 50 obese children and 50 normal-weight children (aged 8-12) and their mothers.
- Accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X) for objective physical activity measurement.
- Physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) for caregivers and Home Environment Scale (HES-S) for family environment assessment.
Main Results:
- Obese children exhibited significantly lower levels of vigorous physical activity compared to normal-weight children.
- In obese children, vigorous physical activity was linked to parental modeling and policies.
- Multiple regression indicated sex, vigorous physical activity, and maternal BMI explained 21% of weight status variance.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in vigorous physical activity and family environment exist between obese and normal-weight children.
- Interventions promoting healthy habits in primary care, schools, and institutions are vital.
- Addressing family dynamics and physical activity promotion is essential for combating childhood obesity.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to compare the levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviours in children with obesity and normal weight through accelerometer measures, and analyze the family environment related to physical activity.
Design:
Case-control study.
Location:
A health center and colleges of the Community of Madrid.
Participants:
A total of 50 obese children between 8 and 12 years of age (P > 97) and their mothers were matched by age, sex and socioeconomic status of their parents (1: 1) with 50 children with normopeso (GN; P < 85).
Main Measurements:
Physical activity levels were measured by accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X), levels of physical activity of the primary caregiver were measured through physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and the environment in relation to the physical activity was measured by the Home Environment Scale (HES-S).
Results:
The group GO showed less vigorous physical activity than their peers in the GN group. Vigorous physical activity in the GO group was associated with modeling and parental policies regarding physical activity. A multiple regression analysis revealed that 21% of the variance of weight status of children was explained by sex, vigorous physical activity and maternal body mass index.
Conclusions:
The levels of vigorous physical activity and the family environment differ between children with obesity and normal weight. Therefore, it is important to continue working on the awareness of illness and the promotion of healthy habits from Primary Care and the school and institutional context.
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