scholarly journals Only children or children with siblings: who has greater physical activity and healthier weight?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Sigmund ◽  
Dagmar Sigmundová
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Only Children ◽  
Weight One ◽  
Steps Per Day ◽  
Single Child

Abstract Background: The influence of parents on the physical activity (PA) and body weight of their children is confirmed by scientific studies. However, it is not known whether only children or those with siblings have a higher level of PA and healthier body weight. One aim of this study is to assess whether there are any differences in the achievement of the daily step count (SC) recommendation and in the prevalence of overweight and obesity between only children and children from families with multiple children. Another aim is to investigate whether the achievement of the daily SC recommendation by children/parents and parental overweight/obesity are associated with childhood obesity. Methods: The analysis included 566 families (10.6% with a single child, 89.4% with two or more children) with complete data of family members for weight status and ambulatory PA monitored with a Yamax pedometer during the spring and autumn in 2013-2019. The cut-point values of the daily SC recommendation amounted to ≥13,000/≥11,000 steps per day for 5-12-year-old sons/daughters and ≥10,000 steps per day for 12-16-year-old adolescents and adults. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to compare the achievement of the daily SC recommendation and the prevalence of overweight and obesity between only children and those with siblings. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to investigate whether the achievement of the daily SC recommendation by children/parents and parental overweight/obesity were associated with obesity in their offspring. Results: A significantly higher proportion of children with siblings (p<0.01) achieved the recommended daily SC (51.8% vs. 31.7%) and showed a lower prevalence of overweight (16.2% vs. 20.0%) and obesity (7.1% vs. 20.0%) compared with only children. The achievement of the daily SC recommendation in children significantly (p<0.05) reduced the odds (OR) of obesity (OR=0.22-0.34). The children with siblings had lower odds (OR=0.41-0.54) of obesity than the only children. The overweight/obesity of mothers significantly increased (p<0.05) the odds of obesity (OR=2.07) in their children. Conclusion: Children with siblings achieve the daily SC recommendation more often at weekends and on average for the whole week and have a lower incidence of overweight and obesity than children from single-child families.

scholarly journals Only children or siblings: who has higher physical activity and healthier weight?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Sigmund ◽  
Dagmar Sigmundová
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Professional Community ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Only Children ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
School Work ◽  
Regular School ◽  
Single Child

Abstract Background The influence of parents on physical activity (PA) and body weight of their children is confirmed by scientific studies and accepted by the professional community. However, it is not known whether only children or those with siblings have a higher level of PA and healthier body weight. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess whether there are any differences in the daily step counts (SC) and the prevalence of obesity between only children and children with siblings, and whether the achievement of the daily SC recommendation by children/parents and parental obesity influence obesity in children with and without siblings. Methods The analysis included 566 families (10.6%/89.4% with single child/two or more children) with complete data of family members on weight status and ambulatory PA monitored with a Yamax pedometer during regular school/work week during spring and autumn between 2013–2019. The cut-point values of the daily SC recommendation amounted to ≥ 13,000/≥11,000 steps/day for 5–12 years old sons/daughters and ≥ 10,000 steps/day for 12–16-year-old adolescents and adults. The Chi-Square (χ2) test series was used to compare the achievement of the daily SC recommendation and the prevalence of normal body weight, overweight and obesity between only children and those with siblings. Logistic regression models (Enter method) were used to investigate whether the achievement of the daily SC recommendation by children/parents and parental obesity were associated with obesity in offspring in single-child families and families with more children. Results A significantly higher proportion of children with siblings (p < 0.01) achieved the recommended daily SC (51.8% vs. 31.7%) and showed a lower prevalence of overweight (16.2% vs. 20.0%) and obesity (7.1% vs. 20.0%) compared with only children. The achievement of the daily SC recommendation in children significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the odds ratio (OR) of obesity (OR = 0.22–0.34). Children with siblings had lower odds (OR = 0.41–0.54) of obesity than only children, but significantly (p < 0.05) only in mother-child dyads. Overweight/obesity of mothers significantly increased (p < 0.05) the odds of obesity (OR = 2.07) in their children. Conclusion Children from families with siblings have a higher amount of daily PA and healthier body weight than single-child families.

scholarly journals Excessive body weight and its relationship to body image in teenagers aged 16–18 years old in South Jakarta

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Dania Mirza Ramadhanty ◽  
Bernie Endyarni Medise
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Excess Body Weight ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Excessive Body Weight ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Objective. Overweight is one of the health problems that often occur in children and adolescents throughout the world, both in developed and developing countries. Study results in USA showed yearly increase of overweight prevalence in children aged 2–19 years old. In addition, based on the results by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2010 in United States, the highest percentage of overweight and obesity by age group was found at 12–19 years old (33.6%). Basic Health Research/Riskesdas’s data in 2013 showed the prevalence of overweight in adolescents aged 16–18 years old in Indonesia reached the highest value of 11.5%. Moreover, most teenagers see their body images as a match between self’s and others’ ideal perception. Teenagers with positive body image tend to be more confident and also easier to get along with other people, especially their peers. In this study, researcher aimed to investigate the relationship between teenagers who have excess body weight with body image, whether it had positive or negative impact.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Data collection was done from December 2017 to January 2018. Data collected were anthropometric measurements (weight and height) and the King College London Body Image Questionnaire's filled by participants. From 400 subjects who filled the questionnaires, a total of 350 participants matched the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Chi square test was done as data analysis.Results: Chi-square analysis for excess body weight status in relation to body image scores showed no relationship (p=1,000).Conclusions: There was no significant relationship between excessive body weight and body image. 

scholarly journals Influence Of Geographical Area And Living Setting On Weight Status, Gross Motor Coordination And Physical Activity Level Of Italian School Children: The Neighbourhood Walkability Approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Chiara Gallotta ◽  
Giovanna Zimatore ◽  
Lavinia Falcioni ◽  
Silvia Migliaccio ◽  
Massimo Lanza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Relative Risk ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Motor Competence ◽  
Body Weight Status ◽  
Neighbourhood Walkability ◽  
Walk Score

Abstract Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in childhood is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, particularly in industrialized countries. Walkability measurements can be collected using the free open software Walk Score® that permit the measure of estimating neighbourhood walkability in many geographic locations. This study was aimed i) to investigate whether differences between rural and urban settings in the North, Centre and South of Italy could influence body-weight status, motor competence and physical activity (PA) level in school-age children; ii) to analyse the walkability of different school areas, and iii) to examine the relationship of motor competence, PA level, geographical areas, living setting, and neighbourhood walkability with children’s body-weight status. Methods: We assessed anthropometric parameters, gross motor coordination and PA level in 1549 children aged between 8 and 13 year. Three geographical areas (North, Centre, South of Italy), two settings (urban and rural) and neighbourhoods’ walkability (Walk Score®) were considered in the analysis. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 22.0% and 9.9%, respectively; 47.9% of the total sample showed motor impairments and 29.0% was inactive. Central children had higher BMI than Northern and Southern children. Northern children showed the highest MQ and PA level, followed by Southern and Central children. Children from the South of Italy attended schools located in neighbourhoods with the highest Walk Score®. Urban children attended schools located in neighbourhoods with a higher Walk Score® than rural children. Lower MQ, lower PA level, living in rural setting and in a car-dependent neighbourhood were associated with a higher relative risk for obesity. Being a girl was associated with a lower relative risk for obesity.Conclusions: The alarming high percentage of overweight and obesity in children as well as motor coordination impairments revealed the urgent need of targeted PA interventions in paediatric population.

scholarly journals Determinants of childhood overweight and obesity in China

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 210-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Li ◽  
F. Zhai ◽  
X. Yang ◽  
E. G. Schouten ◽  
X. Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Childhood Overweight ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Overweight Children ◽  
Cooking Oil ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Childhood Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Body Weight Status

In order to investigate the determinants of childhood overweight and obesity in China, the prevalence of overweight (including obesity) was compared according to different dietary and physical activity patterns and parental body weight status. A total of 6826 children aged 7–17 years from the 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey were included in the study. Information for dietary intake was collected using three consecutive 24-h recalls by trained interviewers. The amounts of cooking oil and condiments consumed were weighed. An interview-administered 1-year physical activity questionnaire was used to collect physical activity information. The results showed that the heavier the parental body weight, the higher the overweight prevalence in children. The prevalence ratio increased if parent(s) were overweight and/or obese, up to 12·2 if both parents were obese. Overweight children consumed significantly more dietary energy, protein and fat, but less carbohydrate than their normal weight counterparts. On average, overweight children spent 0·5 h less on moderate/vigorous activities and 2·3 h more on low intensity activities per week. The following prevalence ratios were statistically significant: walking to and from school (0·6); moderate/vigorous activities ≥ 45 min/d (0·8); low intensity physical activities >2 h/d (1·3); the consumption of ≥ 25 g/d cooking oil (1·4); ≥ 200 g/d meat and meat products consumption (1·5); ≥ 100 g/d dairy products (1·8). After adjustment for parental body weight status and socioeconomic status, only cooking oil consumption and walking to and from school remained significantly related to child overweight. In conclusion, parental weight status is an important determinant. Fat intake, low intensity activities and active transport to/from school may be suitable entry points for overweight prevention among Chinese school children.

scholarly journals POS1309 PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF UNDERWEIGHT, OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG PATIENTS WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS (JIA): EVIDENCE FROM THE NATIONAL PAEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGIC DATABASE (NPRD)

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 936.2-937
Author(s):  
F. Milatz ◽  
J. Klotsche ◽  
M. Niewerth ◽  
J. Hörstermann ◽  
D. Windschall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ◽  
General Population ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Treatment Response ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Obesity In Children

Background:In patients with JIA, growth impairment and variance in body composition are well-known long-term complications that may be associated with prolonged drug therapy (e.g. glucocorticoids) as well as impaired physical and psychosocial well-being. An increased accumulation of body fat represents a significant risk factor for metabolic abnormalities and a modifiable variable for a number of comorbidities. Recently, evidence has emerged in favour of the potential negative influence of overweight on the course of the disease and treatment response [1].Objectives:The study aimed a) to estimate the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in children and adolescents with JIA compared to the general population, and b) to investigate correlates of patients’ weight status.Methods:A cross-sectional analysis of physicians’ recorded body weights and heights of patients with JIA enrolled in the NPRD in the year 2019 was performed. Underweight (BMI <10th), overweight (BMI >90th) and obesity (BMI >97th) were defined according to age- and sex-specific percentiles used in the German reference system. For comparison with data from the general population [2], sex- and age-matched pairs of 3-17-year-old patients and controls were generated. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between weight status and patients’ clinical and self-reported outcomes.Results:In total, data from 6.515 children and adolescents with JIA (age 11.2 ± 4.1 years, disease duration 4.9 ± 3.8 years, 67% girls, 40% persistent oligoarthritis) were included. Of these, 3.334 (age 5.9 ± 2.1 years, 52.5% girls) could be considered for matched-pair analysis. Compared with the general population, patients underweight, overweight and obesity rates were 10.6% (vs. 8.1%), 8.8% (vs. 8.5%) and 6.1% (vs. 5.7%), respectively. No significant sex differences were found in either group. Largest difference in prevalence was registered for underweight, specifically in the age group 3-6 years (12.9% patients vs. 5.9% controls). Similar to the general population, higher rates of overweight were observed in adolescent patients than in affected children (19.1% age group 11-13 vs. 8.4% age group 3-6). While the highest underweight prevalence was registered in patients with RF+ polyarthritis (16%), patients with Enthesitis-related arthritis (22%), psoriatic arthritis (21%) and systemic JIA (20%) showed the highest overweight rates (including obesity). Younger age (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.31-0.83), more frequent physical activity (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85-0.99) and high parental vocational education (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.18-0.80) were independently associated with a lower likelihood of being overweight/obese.Conclusion:The overall prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in children and adolescents with JIA is comparable to that found in the general population. Behavioural health promotion, including regular physical activity, as part of the treatment strategy in JIA should preventively already begin at preschool age and necessarily be made accessible to patients of all educational levels.References:[1]Giani T et al. The influence of overweight and obesity on treatment response in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Front Pharmacol 2019;10:637.[2]Schienkiewitz A et al. BMI among children and adolescents: prevalences and distribution considering underweight and extreme obesity. Bundesgesundheitsbl 2019;62:1225–1234.Acknowledgements:The National Paediatric Rheumatological Database has been funded by AbbVie, Chugai, Novartis and GSK.Disclosure of Interests:Florian Milatz: None declared, Jens Klotsche: None declared, Martina Niewerth: None declared, Jana Hörstermann: None declared, Daniel Windschall: None declared, Frank Weller-Heinemann Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, SOBI, Roche and Novartis., Frank Dressler: None declared, Rainer Berendes: None declared, Johannes-Peter Haas: None declared, Gerd Horneff: None declared, Kirsten Minden Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, Consultant of: Novartis

Is overweight/obesity a risk factor for atopic allergic disease in prepubertal children? A case–control study

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aysel Vehapoglu ◽  
Zeynep Ebru Cakın ◽  
Feyza Ustabas Kahraman ◽  
Mustafa Atilla Nursoy ◽  
Ali Toprak
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Allergic Disease ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Prepubertal Children ◽  
Body Weight Status ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Objectives It is unclear whether body weight status (underweight/normal weight/overweight/obese) is associated with allergic disease. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between body weight status (body mass index; BMI) and atopic allergic disease in prepubertal children, and to compare children with atopic allergic diseases with non atopic healthy children. Methods A prospective cross sectional study of 707 prepubertal children aged 3–10 years was performed; the participants were 278 atopic children with physician-diagnosed allergic disease (allergic rhinitis and asthma) (serum total IgE level >100 kU/l and eosinophilia >4%, or positivity to at least one allergen in skin test) and 429 non atopic healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Data were collected between December 2019 and November 2020 at the Pediatric General and Pediatric Allergy Outpatient Clinics of Bezmialem Vakıf University Hospital. Results Underweight was observed in 11.6% of all participants (10.8% of atopic children, 12.2% of healthy controls), and obesity in 14.9% of all participants (18.0% of atopic children, 12.8% of controls). Obese (OR 1.71; 95% CI: 1.08–2.71, p=0.021), and overweight status (OR 1.62; 95% CI: 1.06–2.50, p=0.026) were associated with an increased risk of atopic allergic disease compared to normal weight in pre-pubertal children. This association did not differ by gender. There was no relationship between underweight status and atopic allergic disease (OR 1.03; 95% CI: 0.63–1.68, p=0.894). Conclusions Overweight and obesity were associated with an increased risk of atopic allergic disease compared to normal weight among middle-income and high-income pre pubertal children living in Istanbul.

scholarly journals Urbanization and greenness in HBSC survey: association with overweight and obesity in adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Bellisario ◽  
R Bono ◽  
G Squillacioti ◽  
M Caputo ◽  
I Gintoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Children Health ◽  
Public Health Strategies

Abstract Background Childhood obesity is an important public health issue worldwide and includes different risk factors, such as environmental pollutants exposure or physical activity. Neighborhood composition and green spaces availability could contrast obesogenic lifestyles and promote healthy habits, whereas, urbanization and traffic volume exposure are inversely associated with physical activity and worsen effects on childhood health. Methods This project analyzed students involved in the HBSC survey from the Piedmont Region. Data were collected in 2018, following the protocol. All the subjects were georeferenced within buffers around schools. Green-spaces availability was measured by Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI-satellite images) while urbanization was calculated by population density, traffic intensity (satellite measurements) and air pollution concentration (sampling stations). Results Overall, the sample included 3022 subjects, with amount 50% male/female and 30% for each age group (11-13-15 years old). Concerning weight status, above 14% of the all sample is obese or overweight, with, respectively, 20% among boys and 11% among girls. Preliminary analyses showed an association between weight status and population density (rural vs urbanized areas). Currently, we are analyzing the association with greenness and the other measures of urbanization. Conclusions Our preliminary findings suggest that high urbanization levels impact health implementing weight in children. We are testing the hypothesis that greenness positively influences weight status and reduce negative effects of urbanization and air pollution. The managing of these risk factors must be deepened and corroborated by active preventive Public Health strategies for improving children health. Key messages Urbanization and greenness may influence weight status in children. Public Health strategies must be improved for children health.

scholarly journals Effects of Three Different Family-Based Interventions in Overweight and Obese Children: The “4 Your Family” Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 341
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Varagiannis ◽  
Emmanuella Magriplis ◽  
Grigoris Risvas ◽  
Katerina Vamvouka ◽  
Adamantia Nisianaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Family Based ◽  
Family Based Interventions

Childhood overweight and obesity prevalence has risen dramatically in the past decades, and family-based interventions may be an effective method to improve children’s eating behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different family-based interventions: group-based, individual-based, or by website approach. Parents and school aged overweight or obese children, 8–12 years of age, were eligible for the study. A total of 115 children were randomly allocated in one of the three interventions, and 91 completed the study (79% compliance); Group 1 (n = 36) received group-based interventions by various experts; Group 2 (n = 30) had interpersonal family meetings with a dietitian; and Group 3 (n = 25) received training through a specifically developed website. Anthropometric, dietary, physical activity, and screen time outcomes were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Within-group comparisons indicated significant improvement in body weight, body mass index (BMI)-z-score, physical activity, and screen time from baseline in all three study groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, total body fat percentage (%TBF) was also decreased in Groups 2 and 3. Between-group differences varied with body weight and %TBF change, being larger in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2, in contrast to BMI-z-score, screen time, and health behaviors, which were significantly larger in Group 2 than the other two groups. In conclusion, personalized family-based interventions are recommended to successfully improve children’s lifestyle and body weight status.

scholarly journals Systematic review of interventions in the childcare setting with direct parental involvement: effectiveness on child weight status and energy balance-related behaviours

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I. van de Kolk ◽  
S. R. B. Verjans-Janssen ◽  
J. S. Gubbels ◽  
S. P. J. Kremers ◽  
S. M. P. L. Gerards
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Parental Involvement ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Intervention Effectiveness

Abstract Background The early years are a crucial period to promote healthy energy balance-related behaviours in children and prevent overweight and obesity. The childcare setting is important for health-promoting interventions. Increasingly, attention has been paid to parental involvement in childcare-based interventions. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions with direct parental involvement on the children’s weight status and behavioural outcomes. Methods A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases to include studies up until January 2019. Studies written in English, describing results on relevant outcomes (weight status, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and/or nutrition-related behaviour) of childcare-based interventions with direct parental involvement were included. Studies not adopting a pre-post-test design or reporting on pilot studies were excluded. To improve comparability, effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated. Information on different types of environment targeted (e.g., social, physical, political and economic) was extracted in order to narratively examine potential working principles of effective interventions. Results A total of 22 studies, describing 17 different interventions, were included. With regard to the intervention group, 61.1% found some favourable results on weight status, 73.3% on physical activity, 88.9% on sedentary behaviour, and all on nutrition-related behaviour. There were studies that also showed unfavourable results. Only a small number of studies was able to show significant differences between the intervention and control group (22.2% weight status, 60.0% physical activity, 66.6% sedentary behaviour, 76.9% nutrition behaviour). Effect sizes, if available, were predominantly small to moderate, with some exceptions with large effect sizes. The interventions predominantly targeted the socio-cultural and physical environments in both the childcare and home settings. Including changes in the political environment in the intervention and a higher level of intensity of parental involvement appeared to positively impact intervention effectiveness. Conclusion Childcare-based interventions with direct parental involvement show promising effects on the children’s energy balance-related behaviours. However, evidence on effectiveness is limited, particularly for weight-related outcomes. Better understanding of how to reach and involve parents may be essential for strengthening intervention effectiveness.

scholarly journals Low body weight/thinness, overweight and obesity of children and adolescents from a Brazilian region of low economic status

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 437-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dartagnan Pinto Guedes ◽  
Francisléia Nascimento Almeida ◽  
Jaime Tolentino M. Neto ◽  
Maria de Fátima de M. Maia ◽  
Thatiana Maia Tolentino
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Obesity Prevalence ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Weight Excess

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of low body weight/thinness, overweight and obesity in a representative sample of children and adolescents from a Brazilian region with low economic development. METHODS: A total of 982 girls and 986 boys, aged seven to 17 years old and assisted by Segundo Tempo Program, from Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were included in the study. Low body weight/thinness, overweight and obesity were defined based on body mass cut-off indexes recommended by the International Obesity Task Force. The prevalence of the nutritional status according to sex and age was compared by chi-square test. RESULTS: In girls, the frequency of low body weight/thinness, overweight and obesity was 4.1, 18.4 and 3.8%, respectively; in boys, these percentages were 6.3, 13.2 and 2.9%, respectively. The low body weight/thinness for girls raised from 2.7% (7-10 years old) to 5.5% (15-17 years old); the body weight excess (overweight and obesity) decreased from 30.1 to 16.2% for the same age groups. In boys, the corresponding trends were from 3.2 to 9.4% for low body weight/thinness, and from 23.4 to 9.2%, for body weight excess. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that, even in a region with low economic status, the body weight excess was the main problem associated with nutritional health. The high overweight and obesity prevalence rates indicate the need of public policies for promoting healthy feeding behaviors and physical activity.

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