Influence of physical activity and interest for food and sciences vs. weight disorders in children aged 8 to 18 years

IntroductionBeing overweight and obesity are a growing problem and are often related to a lack of physical activity among younger people. This study aims to describe the prevalence of weight disorders in Belgian schoolchildren. Secondly, this study examines the association between physical activity, weight disorders and the interest in food and sciences. MethodsWe examined 525 children aged between 8 and 18 years old, who attended the Brussels Food Fair or the Belgian Science Day in 2013. They completed a standardized questionnaire about lifestyle and physical activity. Their weight, height, blood pressure and waist circumference were measured. The physical condition of participants was estimated using the Ruffier test. ResultsThe average age of all participants was 11.2 years (95% CI: 8.7  - 13.7), the prevalence of being overweight and obesity was 16.3% and 5.4%, respectively. For all participants in the representative group the affiliation to a sports club was associated with a normal weight (P <0.05). According to this study, the kind of transportation to school (foot/bike or car/bus) had no effect on their body mass index (BMI). Neither was there a significant relationship between the physical activity of the children and the result of their Ruffier test. ConclusionsThe prevalence of being overweight and obesity in children aged 8 to 18 years is alarming. Membership to a sports club was linked significantly to a normal weight and a lower prevalence of being overweight and obesity

Association of Dietary Habits and Interest for Food and Science versus Weight Status in Children Aged 8 to 18 Years

Introduction. This study aims to describe the association between dietary habits and weight status and the interest in food and science. Methods. We examined in a cross-sectional study 525 children aged between 8 and 18 years, who attended the Brussels Food Fair or the Belgian Science Day in 2013. They were divided into three groups: special interest in science, special interest in food, and a general control group. They completed a questionnaire, and body parameters were measured. The weight status of the children was identified using the growth charts and the calculated BMI. Results. In total, 525 children were included: 290 children in the reference group, 194 in the food group, and 41 in the science group. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 28% in the general control group, 14% in the food group, and 15% in the science group. Breakfast and dinner were skipped more often by children with overweight or obesity. Children from the food and science groups had more sweets and meat, had less fruit, and skipped less meals. Conclusion. In our study, 28% of the reference group had overweight or obesity. The children with special interest in food or science differed from the control group