Association between dietary factors and obesity in neishabour school children

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of childhood obesity in developed and developing countries is increasing. Different factors which are associated with childhood obesity should be assessed in each society. This study conducted to determine dietary risk factors of Neishabour school children in winter 2006. In a cross-sectional study 1471 students aged 6-12 years were selected using two stage cluster sampling. Pupils height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Obesity was defined as having a BMI= 95[th] percentile of Iranian reference; in this way, 114 students were selected as case group and control group were students having 15[th] =Control group was matched with case by age, school and classroom. Twelve students of control group were omitted because of not willing to enter the study [control=102 students]. To find out dietary risk factors associated with childhood obesity, in each instance we interviewed the mother and the child for filling 24 hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire. Results showed that the average of daily calorie intake in cases was significantly higher than the control group [2413.1 +/- 542.2 vs. 1762.1 +/- 411.7; p<0.001]. Daily energy intake from carbohydrate, protein and fat considerably different between two groups [p<0.001]. The Frequency of cola, chips, puffs, chocolate, natural fruit juice and fast foods was remarkably different between the case and control groups [p<0.001]. Preventive actions are necessary to be planned for childhood obesity