Ponderal Status, Eating and Lifestyle Habits in Rural School Children: A Pilot Survey of the SBAM-ONFOODS Cohort...

Background/Objectives: The rising prevalence of overweight and obesity reflects a trend towards worsening eating habits and reduced physical activity, with significant implications for public health and life expectancy. This pilot survey aimed to evaluate weight status, food habits and lifestyle in primary school children from under-researched rural areas of the Lazio region, Italy. Methods: A total of 182 children aged 6-10 years from the municipalities of Monte Romano and Tolfa were enrolled. Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated from measured weight and height, was classified by IOTF and WHO definitions. Food habits, socioeconomic factors and lifestyle were evaluated by a standard questionnaire, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) was assessed by the KIDMED test. Results: Data showed a high prevalence of overweight, including obesity (33.3%), based on IOTF criteria, with slightly higher rates in boys than girls (38.3% vs. 26.9%). According to the WHO definition, the rate of overweight/obesity was 39.5% with significant differences between males and females (46% vs. 30.8%). Only 19.9% of children had high adherence to MD (67.3% moderate, 12.9% low), and 29.5% of the sample did not eat breakfast every day. In addition, 25.4% met international physical activity recommendations, while around 40% exceeded the recommended screen time on weekend days, and 19.3% did not sleep the recommended hours. Conclusions: Preliminary data show high rates of excess weight, poor diet quality and unhealthy lifestyles. Extending the sampling to other municipalities in the study area will help validate these findings and provide deeper insights to inform targeted intervention strategies.