Associations of Feeding Practices in Early Life and Dietary Intake at School Age with Obesity in 10- to 12-Year-Old Arab Children

Abstract

Understanding the role in pediatric obesity of early life feeding practices and dietary intake at school age is essential for early prevention. The study aimed to examine associations of early life feeding practices, environmental and health-related exposures, and dietary intake at school age as determinants of obesity in children aged 10–12 years. In an earlier study of 233 healthy infants in two Arab towns in northern Israel, neonatal history, feeding practices, and health information were obtained up to age 18 months. This follow-up study assessed dietary intake and anthropometric measurements at age 10–12 years using the 24 h recall method. Overall, 174 children participated in this study. Almost all (98%) the children were breastfed. The prevalence of obesity at school age was 42%. A multivariable model adjusted for energy intake and socioeconomic status showed positive associations of total fat intake and of weight-for-height z score, but not feeding practices in infancy, with obesity. Higher gestational age at birth was associated with lower odds of obesity at age 10–12 years. In conclusion, in a population with near universal breastfeeding, gestational age at birth, weight indicators but not feeding practices in infancy, and total fat intake at school age were associated with increased likelihood of obesity.

Comparison between School-Age Children with and without Obesity in Nutritional and Inflammation Biomarkers

“…The prevalence of obesity is higher in Arab children than in Jewish children [ 28 , 29 ]. We have shown a 42% prevalence of obesity among school children aged 10–12 years, which is positively associated with dietary fat intake [ 30 ]. The traditional diet in the Arab population is based on the Mediterranean diet, including large quantities of fruit and vegetables [ 31 ].…”

“…The design and study population of the current study have been described [ 30 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Briefly, participants were initially recruited as healthy babies ( n = 233) during 2007–2008 at a median age of 8 weeks and followed up until age 18 months to document breastfeeding practices, physical growth, and acquisition of H. pylori infection [ 32 ].…”

“…Briefly, participants were initially recruited as healthy babies ( n = 233) during 2007–2008 at a median age of 8 weeks and followed up until age 18 months to document breastfeeding practices, physical growth, and acquisition of H. pylori infection [ 32 ]. A follow-up was conducted among the same children during 2017–2019, at ages 10–12 years, in which we obtained updated information on socio-demographics, health status, anthropometric measurements, and blood samples [ 30 ]. We established contact with 207 (88.8%) of the families, among those 189 agreed to participate in the follow-up study but 15 withdrew and 174 (84.0%) completed the questionnaire.…”

Hubungan Asupan Energi dan Zat Gizi Makro dengan Status Gizi Anak Sekolah Dasar (SD) Muhammadiyah di Kabupaten Gresik

“…Eating patterns in school-age children can be formed due to several factors, including support factors from the family, socio-economics, school environment, friendships, family education, and economics 3,13 . Education on nutrition implemented in the family can produce good eating patterns in children.…”