Risk Factors for Obesity among Egyptian Children

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. There has been a fourfold increase in the prevalence of obesity among children. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors underlying obesity in Egyptian children. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed on 150 obese and 150 normal weight children aged 9 -11 years. Information of consanguinity, family history of obesity, birth order, family size, dietary intake and socioeconomic level was collected by questionnaires. Weight, height, mid upper arm circumference, triceps and subscapular skinfolds were measured for all children. Results: Significant differences were observed between obese children and normal weight children. Frequencies of family's low socioeconomic level, small family size and obese parents were higher among obese children as compared to normal weight children. Obese children were mostly from first and second birth of order, spent more time watching television and less time exercising. They frequently consumed CHO and snakes, while normal weight children more frequently consumed fresh fruits and vegetables. After controlling all other variables, results revealed that the ranking of factors associated with obesity by adjusted odds ratio (OR) were: small family size # 5, obesity of both parents, high consumption of snakes, obese mother and obese father, children of first and second birth of order, family's low socioeconomic level and high consumption of CHO. Conclusions: This study emphasized that low socioeconomic level of family, child's eating behavior and parental obesity are the main risk factors for the obesity among Egyptian children