Comparisons of the Daily Activities and Energy Expenditures of Normally-Weighted and Obese Elementary School Children

ABSTRACT

This study investigated and compared the daily activities and energy expenditure of normally-weighted and obese elementary school children. The participants were 115 boys and 115 girls (6th grade) at ten elementary schools in Busan. Time spent on each activity was evaluated using the twenty-four hour recall method. 1) The general characteristics of the normally-weighted and obese children did not differ, although the normally-weighted children exercised and used stairs more than the obese children.2) Among their classified activities, the children spent most of their time resting, study, leisure, physiology and hygiene, commuting, and housework in that decreasing order. Normally-weighted children spent less time tying down and in conversation with family and friends than obese ones. 3) The children's average activity factors were 1.47 - 1.50. The normally-weighted children's rest energy expenditure (REE) (1391.4 kcal,1264.7 kcal) was less than that of the obese children (1711.4 kcal. 1461.0 kcal) . The normally-weighted children's daily energy expenditure was less than that of the obese, but energy expenditure per body weight was less in obese children than in the normally-weighted. In conclusion, sedentary activities and energy expenditure per body weight was less in the obese compared to the normally-weighted children. Programs to help children perceive and practice desirable physical activities should be suggested for prevention of obesity in children.