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- Title
Overweight, obesity and other risk factors for IHD in Brazilian schoolchildren.
- Authors
Barbiero, Sandra Mari; Pellanda, Lucia Campos; Cesa, Claudia Ciceri; Campagnolo, Paula; Beltrami, Flávia; Abrantes, Caroline C.
- Abstract
Objective: To estimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity and nutritional habits in schoolchildren aged 10-18 years. Methods: Contemporary, cross-sectional, population-based study, with a stratified probabilistic sample of secondary schools in Porto Alegre comprising a total of 511 schoolchildren. Data on family risk factors, anthropometrics and eating habits were collected. Results: The prevalence of excess weight was 27∙6% among the schoolchildren, with 17∙8% being overweight (BMI≥85th and <95th percentile) and 9∙8% obese (BMI≥95th percentile). Overweight was more prevalent in females (19∙9%) and obesity in males (11∙8 %). Children who ate fewer meals per day tend to be more obese (mean: 3∙51 (SD 1∙14) v. 4∙22 (SD 1∙01) meals/d for students with normal weight). The mean weekly intake of unhealthy foods was 3∙25 times for soft drinks, 2∙91 for fried foods and 4∙01 for sweets. The intake of skimmed milk (38∙9%) and diet soft drinks (20∙9%) was greater among obese children. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity are increasing even in developing countries such as Brazil. Although many families are already taking measures towards healthier health habits, preventive actions must be considered a priority, with an emphasis on education, in order to avoid the need to treat obesity and its significant burden in the near future.
- Subjects
BRAZIL; OVERWEIGHT children; CHILDHOOD obesity; HEALTH of school children; CHILD nutrition
- Publication
Public Health Nutrition, 2009, Vol 12, Issue 5, p710
- ISSN
1368-9800
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1017/S1368980008003200