Correlates of Overweight and Obesity in German Primary School Children

Childhood obesity is a consistent public health issue, which often persists into adulthood. This study determined risk factors of childhood obesity and associated comorbidities in German school children.

Data of 1956 primary school children (7.1 ± 0.6 years) were analysed. Anthropometrics were taken on site, other (health) parameters were assessed using a parental questionnaire. Binary logistic regression models were calculated, controlling for age, gender, family education level, and migration background.

Father's physical illness (OR 1.092 [1.177; 3.073], p = 0.009) and a child's chronic illness (OR 1.687 [1.077; 2.644], p = 0.022), maternal and paternal overweight (OR 2.180 [1.492; 3.185]; OR 2.494 [1.547; 4.022], p < 0.001, respectively), as well as maternal and paternal smoking (OR 1.942 [1.306; 2.889]; OR 1.972 [1.334; 2.917], p = 0.001, respectively) were significantly associated with the child being overweight. Also associated with the child being overweight were physical activity, regular screen media use (OR 0.605 [0.408, 0.896], p = 0.012; OR 2.029 [1.306; 3.152], p = 0.002, respectively), the mother and/or father thinking their child is too fat (OR 2.213 [1.504; 3.258], p < 0.001; OR 1.537 [1.048; 2.253], p = 0.028), the father's physical inactivity (OR 1.69 [1.133; 2.521], p = 0.010), and if the child has not been breastfed (OR 1.632 [1.056; 2.521], p = 0.027), the mother smoked during pregnancy (OR 1.992 [1.224; 3.246], p = 0.006) as well as if the mother and/or father admonished their child about their weight (OR 25.521 [14.578; 44.680]; OR 19.448 [11.865; 31.877], p < 0.001, respectively). Children of unemployed mothers and in low-income households had an increased risk of being overweight (OR 4.811 [1.642; 14.096], p = 0.004; OR 2.203 [1.360; 3.568], p = 0.001, respectively).

This study shows that parental health, lifestyle, and social behaviours matter in determining childhood obesity. Understanding those is essential to promoting a healthy lifestyle.