Obesity risk factors in Turkish children.

On the basis of the knowledge that the prevalence of obesity in children has increased steadily in recent years, this study aimed to assess the association between obesity and certain risk factors in a group of 6- to 14-year-old children living in Istanbul. The study was carried out at the Istanbul University School of Medicine Hospital. Data were collected from 592 children aged between 6 and 14 years who were examined in general pediatrics clinics. Weight and height measurements were performed on the children and their parents. The children were classified as obese and nonobese in accordance with the body mass index reference values for Turkish children. Energy intake of children was estimated with a 3-day food consumption recording form. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the information from the parents on possible risk factors causing obesity. The physical activity state of the children was assessed. A logistic regression model was developed to examine the relationships between obesity and possible risk factors. Almost 32% (n = 184) and 69% (n = 408) of children were assessed as obese and nonobese, respectively. Although there was no difference in daily energy intakes of obese and nonobese children, 13.6% of obese and 40.9% of nonobese children were reported to do physical activity regularly. Obesity was strongly associated with parental obesity. Furthermore, energy intake; having regular physical activity; presence of obesity in the mother, the father, and the mother's family; and having a mother working out of home were also significantly associated with obesity. Creating awareness in mothers on the importance of a healthy nutrition and encouraging families to participate in physical activities are important points in the prevention of childhood obesity.

Family-based group treatment versus individual treatment in the management of childhood obesity: randomized, prospective clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the short- and long-term effects of a 3-month family-based group treatment in the management of childhood obesity versus individual treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty obese children, aged between 6 and 14 years, and their parents were included in this prospective controlled clinical study. Forty participants were randomly assigned for group treatment and the other 40 for individual treatment. A 3-month intervention program was focused on implementing healthy eating behaviors. The weight and height of the children were measured initially and at each treatment session and at follow-up visits. Body mass index was calculated and expressed as standard deviation score. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: At the end of 3-month treatment program, there was a significant decline in BMI SDS in both groups (p < 0.001). After 1 year of follow-up period, there was still a significant decrease in BMI SDS in the study group (p < 0.001), whereas the decrease in BMI SDS was not maintained over the follow-up period in the standard group. There was a significantly increased consumption of vegetable and fruit and reduced consumption of carbonated drinks and fruit juice in both groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that the group treatment is more successful than the individual treatment in the management of childhood obesity.

Food types in the diet and the nutrient intake of obese and non-obese children.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions world-wide. OBJECTIVE: To compare the types of food in the diet and the nutrient intake of obese children with those of non-obese children. METHODS: A total of 95 obese and 592 non-obese children aged between 6 and 10 years participated in the study. A body mass index (BMI) value exceeding the 95th percentile for age and gender was taken as the criterion for obesity. Three-day food consumption was recorded and evaluated according to standard international recommendations. RESULTS: Macronutrient intake was adequate in both obese and non-obese children. Energy intake of the obese children was significantly higher than that of the non-obese children. Micronutrient intake except fiber of both groups, calcium intake of obese children and vitamin A intake of non-obese children were higher than recommended amounts. The obese children consumed excessive fat and sugar, but less fruit and vegetables as compared to the non-obese children, and less than the recommendations of the food guide pyramid as adopted by the US Department of Food and Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services. CONCLUSION: The implementation of educational programs on nutrition may be important for promoting knowledge about healthy eating among obese children.