Do physical activity and screen time mediate the association between European fathers’ and their children’s weight status? Cross-sectional data from the Feel4Diabetes-study

Abstract Background Most research on parenting and childhood obesity and obesity-related behaviours has focused on mothers while fathers have been underrepresented. Yet, recent literature has suggested that fathers uniquely influence their children’s lifestyle behaviours, and hence could also affect their weight status, but this has not yet been scientifically proven. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether the association between fathers’ weight status and their children’s weight status is mediated by fathers’ and children’s movement behaviours (i.e. physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST)). Methods Cross-sectional data of 899 European fathers and their children were analyzed. Fathers/male caregivers (mean age = 43.79 ± 5.92 years, mean BMI = 27.08 ± 3.95) completed a questionnaire assessing their own and their children’s (mean age = 8.19 ± 0.99 years, 50.90% boys, mean BMIzscore = 0.44 ± 1.07) movement behaviours. Body Mass Index (BMI, in kg/m2) was calculated based on self-reported (fathers) and objectively measured (children) height and weight. For children, BMI z-scores (SD scores) were calculated to obtain an optimal measure for their weight status. Serial mediation analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 25.0 Statistics for Windows to test whether the association between fathers’ BMI and children’s BMI is mediated by fathers’ PA and children’s PA (model 1) and fathers’ ST and children’s ST (model 2), respectively. Results The present study showed a (partial) mediation effect of fathers’ PA and children’s PA (but not father’s ST and children’s ST) on the association between fathers’ BMI and children’s BMI (model for PA; coefficient: 0.001, 95% CI: [0.0001, 0.002]; model for ST; coefficient: 0.001, 95% CI: [0.000, 0.002]). Furthermore, fathers’ movement behaviours (PA and ST) were positively associated with their children’s movement behaviours (PA and ST) (model for PA, coefficient: 0.281, SE: 0.023, p < 0.001; model for ST, coefficient: 0.345, SE: 0.025, p < 0.001). Conclusions These findings indicate that the influence of fathers on their children’s weight status partially occurs through the association between fathers’ PA and children’s PA (but not their ST). As such, intervening by focusing on PA of fathers but preferably of both members of the father-child dyad (e.g. engaging fathers and their children in co-PA) might be a novel and potentially effective strategy for interventions aiming to prevent childhood overweight and obesity. Longitudinal studies or intervention studies confirming these findings are however warranted to make meaningful recommendations for health intervention and policy. Trial registration The Feel4Diabetes-study is registered with the clinical trials registry http://clinicaltrials.gov, ID: 643708.

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Independent and combined influences of physical activity, screen time, and sleep quality on adiposity indicators in Indian adolescents

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-12183-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Panchali Moitra ◽

Jagmeet Madan ◽

Preeti Verma

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Screen Time ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Obesity Risk ◽

Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mixed Effect ◽

Indian Adolescents

Abstract Background Inadequate physical activity (PA), excess screen time (ST), and sub-optimal sleep quality tend to co-occur during adolescence. Yet, little is known about the associations of these behaviors as a cluster with adiposity indicators in Indian adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the independent and combined influences of PA, ST, and sleep quality on body mass index (BMI) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) in 10–15 years old adolescents in Mumbai, India. A secondary aim was to explore if these influences vary between sexes. Methods Cross-sectional study. Adolescents (n = 772, mean age 13.2 (1.4) years) reported frequency and duration of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and time spent using screens on a previously validated instrument. Sleep quality was estimated using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. Mixed effect logistic regression analyses were performed to explore associations between adiposity indicators (BMI z scores > +1SD and WHtR > 0.5) and unhealthy behaviors (PA < 60 min/d, ST > 120 min/d and PSQI scores > 5), stratified by sex. Results The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 38.3%. Overall, 62.0 and 85.0% reported MVPA< 60 min/d and ST > 120 min/d respectively. Girls reported higher ST (218.21 (69.01) min/d) as compared to boys (165.3 (101.22) min/d, p < 0.001). Clustering of low PA and excess ST was observed in 69.2% and of all three unhealthy behaviors in 18.8%. Among girls, MVPA < 60 min/d (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.54–1.92, p < 0.001) and PSQI scores > 5 (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.78–2.25, p < 0.001) predicted increased BMI. The odds of overweight/obesity were 2.10 times higher in boys reporting low PA and 4.13 times higher in those with low PA+ ST > 120 min/d. Clustering of all three unhealthy behaviors increased prevalence of obesity in both sexes. Conclusions The results indicated a co-existence of multiple unhealthy lifestyle factors of obesity and that clustering of these behaviors can further aggravate obesity risk as compared to their independent effects. Integrated interventions that leverage the cumulative benefits of being active, less sedentary and sufficient sleep are warranted to facilitate greater improvements in obesity risk behaviors.

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Excessive body weight of children and adolescents in the spotlight of their parents’ overweight and obesity, physical activity, and screen time

International Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1007/s00038-020-01419-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 65 (8) ◽

pp. 1309-1317 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Erik Sigmund ◽

Dagmar Sigmundová ◽

Petr Badura

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Screen Time ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Cumulative Effect ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Children And Adolescent ◽

Excessive Body Weight

Abstract Objectives The main aim of this study was to bridge the research gap in the countries of Central Europe using the family dyad approach to examine the associations of parents’ overweight/obesity, physical activity (PA), and screen time (ST) with excessive body weight in their offspring. Methods The cross-sectional study included 1101 parent–child dyads (648/453 mother/father–child aged 4–16) selected by two-stage stratified random sampling with complete data on body weight categories, weekly PA (Yamax pedometer), ST (family logbook) collected over a regular school/working week during the spring and autumn seasons between 2013 and 2019. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify which of parents’ lifestyle indicators were associated with the overweight/obesity of their offspring. Results The mother’s overweight/obesity significantly increases her children’s odds of overweight/obesity. Concerning fathers, active participation in organized leisure-time PA and reaching 10,000 steps per day significantly reduce the odds of overweight/obesity in their children and adolescent offspring. Conclusions The cumulative effect of parental participation in organized leisure-time PA with their own family-related PA can be a natural means of preventing the development of overweight/obesity in their offspring.

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Weight status, dietary habits, physical activity, screen time and sleep duration among university students

Nutrition and Health ◽

10.1177/0260106020960863 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 026010602096086

Author(s):

Souad Benaich ◽

Slimane Mehdad ◽

Zineb Andaloussi ◽

Saber Boutayeb ◽

Meryem Alamy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Screen Time ◽

Weight Status ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Sugary Drinks ◽

Increased Risk

Background: University life is a crucial period when dietary habits and lifestyle behaviours are formed and may have long-lasting effects on the development of obesity and related chronic diseases. Aim: To investigate the association of overweight/obesity with dietary habits, physical activity, screen time and sleep duration among university students. Methods: A total of 438 students aged 18–26 years were recruited from Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. Anthropometric measurements were assessed using standardized equipment. Data regarding dietary habits, physical and sedentary activities were collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 14.8% and 1.6%, respectively. Students who reported frequent consumption (>3 times/week) of fast food, fried potatoes and sugary drinks were more likely to be overweight/obese than peers who did not. Similarly, odds of being overweight/obese were slightly higher among females who reported non-daily intake of fruits and milk or dairy products and among males who ate vegetables less frequently (<7 times/week). Approximately 26% of students were physically inactive, with a higher proportion of females (35.8%) than males (10.7%). Both short and long sleep durations were associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity in males. In contrast, physical inactivity and increased screen time were associated with a slightly reduced risk of overweight/obesity, particularly in females. Conclusions: Overall, unhealthy dietary habits were associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity. A similar trend was also observed between abnormal sleep duration and overweight/obesity in males. Interventions to promote healthy dietary and lifestyle habits and prevent overweight/obesity in this population are needed.

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Associations between Adherence to Combinations of 24-h Movement Guidelines and Overweight and Obesity in Japanese Preschool Children

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17249320 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (24) ◽

pp. 9320

Author(s):

Hyunshik Kim ◽

Jiameng Ma ◽

Kenji Harada ◽

Sunkyoung Lee ◽

Ying Gu

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Preschool Children ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Screen Time ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Intervention Programs ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Public Health Policies ◽

The Status

The interactions between movement behaviors (physical activity, screen time, and sleep) affect the health of preschool children. Therefore, we examined the status of adherence to combinations of 24-hour movement guidelines (24-h MG) in Japanese preschool children and determined the associations between overweight/obesity and adherence to these 24-h MG. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 421 children aged 3–5 years (216 boys and 199 girls) living in the northeastern region of Japan. To evaluate the 24-h MG, physical activity over one week was measured using a three-axis accelerometer. For screen time and sleep duration, a questionnaire survey was conducted. Children who failed to meet all the 24-h MG had a higher probability of overweight/obesity than those who met all the 24-h MG (odds ratio 1.139, 95% confidence interval: 1.009, 1.285). The percentage of adherence to the 24-h MG was 91.6% for physical activity, 82.5% for sleep duration, and 33.7% for screen time, and only 21.5% of the children adhered to all three areas of the guidelines. Our findings have important implications for developing public health policies and effective intervention programs for preschool children.

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Association between Compliance with Movement Behavior Guidelines and Obesity among Malaysian Preschoolers

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094611 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4611

Author(s):

Shoo Thien Lee ◽

Jyh Eiin Wong ◽

Geraldine K. L. Chan ◽

Bee Koon Poh

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Screen Time ◽

Weight Status ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Physical Activities ◽

Movement Behavior ◽

Sedentary Behaviors ◽

Kuala Lumpur ◽

Overweight Or Obesity

A daily balance of physical activities, sedentary behaviors and sleep are important for maintaining the health of young children. The aim of this study is to explore the association between 24-h movement behavior of Malaysian children aged 4 to 6 years with weight status. A total of 230 preschoolers were recruited from 22 kindergartens in Kuala Lumpur. Physical activity was assessed by Actical accelerometer while screen time and sleep duration were proxy-reported by parents. Children spent on average 5.5 ± 1.3 h on total physical activity (including 1.0 ± 0.4 h of moderate- vigorous physical activity), 3.0 ± 1.6 h on screen activities and 9.5 ± 1.3 h sleeping daily. The proportion of children who complied with physical activity and sleep guidelines were 48.7% and 55.2%, respectively. About 25.2% of children met screen time recommendation. Only 6.5% of children met all three age-specific physical activity, screen time and sleep guidelines. Children who met any two guidelines were less likely to be overweight or obesity compared to those who did not meet any of the guidelines (OR: 0.276; 95% CI: 0.080–0.950). In conclusion, Malaysian preschoolers have low compliance to movement behavior guidelines, especially in meeting screen time recommendations. Compliance to movement behavior guidelines was associated with lower odds of overweight and obesity.

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Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and the Risk of Overweight and Obesity in School-Aged Children

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.2016-0234 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 29 (3) ◽

pp. 408-418 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Eimear Keane ◽

Xia Li ◽

Janas M. Harrington ◽

Anthony P. Fitzgerald ◽

Ivan J. Perry ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Screen Time ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Independent Association

Purpose:Globally, public health policies are targeting modifiable lifestyle behaviors. We explore the independent association of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior on the risk of childhood overweight/obesity.Method:A cross-sectional survey of children aged 8–11 years (N = 826). Objective body mass index was used to classify children as normal weight or overweight/obese. Children wore wrist-worn Geneactiv accelerometers for 7-days and thresholds were applied to categorize MVPA and sedentary time. Screen time (ST) was parent reported. Poisson regression examined the independent association of (1) MVPA (2), objective sedentary time and (3) ST on the risk of overweight/obesity.Results:Overall, 23.7% (95% CI, 20.8–26.6%) of children were overweight/obese. On average, children spent 10.8% of waking time at MVPA and 61.3% sedentary. One-fifth (22.1%, 95% CI, 19.3–25.0%) of children achieved MVPA recommendations (≥ 60 min each day) and 17.5% (95% CI, 14.9–20.1%) met ST recommendations (<2 hr per day). Time spent at MVPA was inversely associated with the risk of overweight/obese independent of total sedentary time. Total time spent sedentary was not associated with overweight/obese independent of MVPA. ST was associated with an increased risk of overweight/obese independent of physical activity.Conclusion:Few schoolchildren met physical activity and screen time recommendations suggesting population based measures are needed.

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Current Assessment of Weight, Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors among Middle and High School Students in Shanghai, China—A 2019 Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13124331 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 4331

Author(s):

Jingfen Zhu ◽

Yinliang Tan ◽

Weiyi Lu ◽

Yaping He ◽

Zhiping Yu

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Status ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Chinese Adolescents ◽

Lifestyle Behaviors ◽

Sedentary Behaviors ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Poor nutrition or insufficient physical activity (PA) are risk factors for obesity and chronic diseases. This 2019 cross-sectional study from the school health survey examined the dietary and PA behaviors of Chinese adolescents. A total of 12,860 adolescents aged 11–18 participated through multistage and stratified cluster random sampling. A questionnaire collected data on weight, PA, sedentary lifestyle, and eating habits. Unhealthy behaviors were identified and summed up for each behavior. Participants were then classified into high and low amounts of risk behaviors. Weight status was defined using Body Mass Index (BMI) cutoff points for Chinese individuals aged 6–18. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess effects of lifestyle behaviors on weight status. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 22.3% among all participants (30.6% in boys, 13.2% in girls). Females engaged in more risk physical activities (4.12 vs. 3.80, p < 0.05), while males engaged in more risk dietary activities (2.20 vs. 2.02, p < 0.05). Higher number of risk dietary, PA, and sedentary behaviors were all significantly correlated with higher BMI (dietary: r = 0.064; PA: r = 0.099; sedentary: r = 0.161; p < 0.001 for all) and body weight (dietary: r = 0.124; PA: r = 0.128; sedentary: r = 0.222; p < 0.001 for all). Risk sedentary behaviors was a significant risk factor for overweight/obesity (Adjusted Odds Ratio AOR = 1.30, 95% Confidence Interval CI 1.11–1.52). Obesity and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors remain a concern among Chinese adolescents. These results provide an update on the factors contributing to overweight/obesity among adolescents and call for efforts to address obesity among adolescents.

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Estado nutricional de una población escolar en España y su relación con hábitos de alimentación y actividad física

Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutrición ◽

10.37527/2019.69.4.004 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 69 (4) ◽

pp. 233-241

Author(s):

Luis Miguel Cano Martín ◽

Jaime González González ◽

Alicia Mohedano Moriano ◽

Antonio Viñuela ◽

Juan José Criado-Álvarez

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Weight Status ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Childhood Overweight And Obesity ◽

Health Zone

La obesidad infantil ha incrementado su prevalencia en España, y aunque se considera un problema multifactorial, es atribuible principalmente al aumento de la ingesta y la disminución de la actividad física por un ocio sedentario mayor. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad infantil en la Zona Básica de Salud (ZBS) de Menasalbas (Toledo, España), y la influencia de los hábitos alimentarios, de actividad física y deporte, y de ocio sedentario. Se realizó un estudio transversal en la población escolarizada de 3 a 12 años de la ZBS de Menasalbas, tomando medidas de peso y talla a 725 menores, calculando su IMC y clasificando su estado ponderal según las tablas de Cole. También se recogieron datos referentes a sus hábitos alimentarios y cuestionario Kidmed de adherencia a la dieta mediterránea, y hábitos de actividad física y ocio sedentario, para estudiar su relación con el estado ponderal de los menores. La prevalencia de sobrecarga ponderal (suma de prevalencias de sobrepeso y obesidad) fue del 24,9%, con un 18,8% de sobrepeso y un 6,1% de obesidad, sin diferencias por edad y sexo. No se observaron diferencias respecto a los hábitos alimentarios, pero si una menor actividad física y un mayor ocio sedentario en aquellos con sobrecarga ponderal. La prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en nuestra población es elevada, aunque menor a las de otros trabajos. La alimentación, la actividad física y el ocio sedentario influenciaron el sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil en este estudio. Childhood obesity has increased its prevalence in Spain, and although it´s considered a multifactorial problem, it is mainly attributable to increased intake and decreased physical activity due to increased sedentary leisure. The objective of this study was to know the prevalence of overweight and childhood obesity in the Basic Health Zone (ZBS) of Menasalbas (Toledo, Spain), and the influence of eating habits, physical activity and sport, and sedentary entertainment. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the school children of 3 to 12 years of age in the ZBS of Menasalbas, taking weight and height measurements for 725 minors, calculating their BMI and classifying their weight status according to Cole´s tables. Data regarding their eating habits and Kidmed questionnaire of adherence to the mediterranean diet, physical activity habits and sedentary leisure habits were also collected, to study its relationship with the weigh status of minors. The prevalence of weight overload (understood as the sum of the prevalence of overweight and obesity) was 24.9% , with 18.8% overweight and 6.1% of obesity, with no differences by age and sex. No differences were observed regarding eating habits, but less physical activity and a more sedentary leisure in those with weight overload was observed. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in our population is high, although lower than reported in other works. Diet, physical activity and sedentary leisure are confirmed as fundamental aspects in childhood overweight and obesity.

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What do active male brazilian adolescents know about fruits and vegetables?

Journal of Human Growth and Development ◽

10.7322/jhgd.122814 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 316

Author(s):

Rachel Helena Vieira Machado ◽

Iris Iglesia ◽

Carol Anne Hartwick ◽

Roberta Ursaia ◽

Nathalia Fontanezi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Screen Time ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

International Studies ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Age Group ◽

Food Groups ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Weekly Physical Activity ◽

Home Region

Objective: To describe and compare data on nutritional awareness regarding FV among adolescents from five Brazilian regions, according to demographics, physical activity levels, screen time and BMI. Method: Cross-sectional study with 1.190 males aged 10-12 in fi ve Brazilian regions, enrolled in a football tournament, with parental consent. BMI, weekly physical activity and daily screen time in minutes, awareness of FV recommendations in daily servings and recognition of food groups, home region, and residents of the household were obtained through self-administered questionnaire, adapted from a previously validated tool. ANOVA, Spearman correlation and chi-squared tests were performed, with a significance level of 5%. Results: Analysis showed 29% of overweight and obesity, less than 2 hours of daily screen time (70%) and insufficient levels of weekly physical activity (mean 226 minutes). Most (95%) lived with parents and with siblings (73%). About 29% of the sample were aware of FV recommendations and 60% recognized food groups. Awareness was not associated with BMI (p = 0.95), home region (p = 0,88), physical activity (p = 0.21), screen time (p = 0.46) or housing characteristics (p = 0.33). Conclusions: Data found on awareness of food groups are consistent with national and international studies, suggesting patterns of poor awareness worldwide. To our knowledge, there are no other Brazilian reports of level of awareness on recommendations of FV in this age group. The importance of behavioral interventions is acknowledged for stimulating healthy habits, which renders the results useful for the development of educational activities for this age group in Brazil.

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Diet-Related Factors, Physical Activity, and Weight Status in Polish Adults

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11102532 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 2532 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Marzena Jezewska-Zychowicz ◽

Jerzy Gębski ◽

Marta Plichta ◽

Dominika Guzek ◽

Małgorzata Kosicka-Gębska

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Status ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frequent Consumption ◽

Food Consumed

Obesity is a serious problem for both the individual and society due to its health and economic consequences. Therefore, there is a need to focus on factors which explain this phenomenon and may be useful in preventing future occurrence. The aim of this study was to determine the lifestyle factors coexisting with increased body mass index (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) in Polish adults, including factors related to diet (dietary patterns—DPs; dietary restrictions; number of meals; frequency of snacking, eating out, and ordering home delivery meals), physical activity, and sociodemographic characteristics. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was carried out in 2016 amongst 972 Polish adults under the Life Style Study (LSS). To determine the factorscoexisting with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, the logistic regression model was developed. Women were less likely to be overweight or obese compared to men. The likelihood of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 increased with age by 4% in each subsequent year of life. Frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, adhering to restrictions in quantity of food consumed and at least moderate physical activity during leisure time decreased the likelihood of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. More frequent consumption of meat and eating five or more meals a day increased the likelihood of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Diet-related factors explained the developed model better than factors related to physical activity, however, age and gender were the factors most strongly correlated with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Therefore, development of strategies to prevent and reduce overweight and obesity should focus on the demographic characteristics of the population, and then on teaching behaviors conducive for reducing the amount of food consumed, especially meat. However, physical activity in leisure time should also be included in the prevention of obesity.

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