No abstract

The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate the association between mother's BMI and educational level, children's diet and type of school with children's overweight and obesity. A total of 1102 children (557 boys and 545 girls), 5–12 years, from 7 random private and public schools of Queretaro, Mexico, participated in the study. Weight, height, waist circumference, and body fat% were determined in all the children. Diet was evaluated with three 24hr recall. Height and weight of children's mother were measured, and their educational level was evaluated using a validated questionnaire. Forty four percent of children and 71% of mothers were either overweight or obese. In logistic regressions, the risk of being overweight or obese was greater among children attending public schools (OR=2.69, 95%CI 1.438–5.029). Children of mothers with a high education level or with a high a BMI had a higher risk of overweight or obesity (OR=2.59, 95%CI 1.33–5.043; OR=4.53, 95%CI 2.185–9.396, respectively). Also, children with low carbohydrate intake (<63% of total energy intake) had a higher risk of overweight/obesity (OR=3.89, 95%CI 1.343, 11.061). In conclusion, risk factors of overweight or obesity in this population included low carbohydrate intake, public school attendance, mother with a high BMI or mother with a high education level. CONACYT