Eating habits and obesity indices assessment in School Health based survey in the Attica basin Greek pupils: 2002-2007

Abstract

In the season of modern culture and the abundance of material goods, the correct diet of person has suffered hurt. The alimentary habits changed, the natural activity were decreased and the obesity in the children's and adolescent age constitute henceforth also in Greece most important problem. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and contributing factors related to their eating habits in the Attica basin Greek pupils during School health examinations in 2002-2007 school years. In this study 2065 Greek children (49%:1001 boys and 51%:1064 girls) aged 6-12 years were included. All children filled out a simple questionnaire and data on demographic, anthropometric and behavioural (nutrition, physical activity, screen time) characteristics were analysed. Body mass index  (BMI) were examined in all children and childhood overweight and obesity was defined according to sex- and age-specific BMI cut-off points, recommended by the International Obesity Task Force. Results: 35,3% of participants were overweight/obesity (24,2% overweight and 11,1% obesity, equally in both genders). Meal frequency: Early morning breakfast with milk and/or fruit juice consumption was 80,4%  but in combination with regular breakfast was 53,3%, mid day (morning snack) 78,9%, lunch 96,1%, evening (afternoon snack) 56% and dinner 82,8%.  One or more servings consumption of fruits and vegetables was 58,8% and 45,9% respectively and free” junk foods” meals was 50,4%. No salt addition in their meals was 68,3% and legumes/beans meals consumption 1-2 servings per week was 64,9%. Sedentary behaviors with TV screen time and low level physical activity was 61,2% and athletic activities had 33,8%. In multiple regression models, after adjustment for sex and aged, lower  BMI were found in increasingly consumption of fish and legumes. In conclusion of our study it is proved an alarmangly high prevalence overweight/obesity problem among school children.  Intervention and prevention measures should be targeted at the promotion of the healthier eating habits and physical activity