Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil
Published on: July 29, 2020
OVERWEIGHT AMONG TUNISIAN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN: PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS
S Khamassi1, E Bornaz2, N Tayari3
11Obesity Research Unit, Zouhair Kallel Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Tunis, Tunisia;
Insights
Childhood overweight is a significant concern in Tunisia, affecting 26.7% of 6-11-year-olds. Key factors include early adiposity rebound, maternal obesity, and unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Childhood overweight is a growing global health issue.
- Identifying prevalence and associated factors is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of overweight among Tunisian school-aged children.
- To identify sociodemographic, perinatal, behavioral, and nutritional factors linked to childhood overweight.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 225 children aged 6-11 years in Tunis.
- Anthropometric measurements and 24-hour dietary recall were used.
- Multivariable logistic regression analyzed factors associated with overweight.
Main Results:
- Overweight prevalence was 26.7%, with 11.6% obese.
- Factors associated with overweight included early adiposity rebound, maternal obesity, shorter breastfeeding duration, early cow's milk introduction, hyperphagia, snacking, inactivity, and specific nutrient intakes.
- Grade retention and maternal obesity were also significant predictors.
Conclusions:
- Early identification and intervention are vital for addressing childhood overweight.
- Modifiable behaviors and dietary habits are key targets for reducing overweight prevalence.
Aim:
To estimate the prevalence of overweight among school-aged children in Tunisia and to identify factors associated with overweight.
Materials And Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study between January and April 2025 among children aged 6-11 years attending a Maternal and Child Protection Center in Tunis. Anthropometric measurements were collected, and dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall. Body mass index (BMI) categories were defined according to International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) references. Sociodemographic, perinatal, behavioral, and nutritional variables were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with overweight.
Results:
A total of 225 children aged 6 to 11 years (mean age 9.18±1.73 years; 58% girls). The mean BMI was 18.05±3.6 kg/m². Based on French and IOTF growth references, 26.7% of participants were overweight, including 11.6% classified as obese, and 16.9% showed visceral fat excess. Multivariate analysis identified early adiposity rebound (OR=1.43; p<0.001), grade retention (OR=3.28; p=0.039), maternal obesity (OR=1.5; p=0.035), breastfeeding duration under 6 months (OR=2.61; p=0.003), introduction of cow's milk before 6 months (OR=1.78; p=0.003), hyperphagia (OR=2.03; p=0.001), snacking (OR=4.45; p=0.019), lack of physical activity (OR=4.02; p=0.019), low vitamin A intake (OR=1.02; p=0.029), and high sodium intake (OR=1.15; p=0.043) as independent factors associated with overweight.
Conclusion:
These findings highlight the importance of early identification and intervention on modifiable behaviors and dietary habits to reduce the burden of childhood overweight.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Obesity
01:26Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
01:21Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
01:08Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
01:25Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution