Childhood Obesity and Quality of Meals: The Saudi School Meal and Home Meal Study SSMHMS – A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between childhood obesity and quality of food consumed in schools and at home as well. The objectives of this study are to assess quality of school meals and home meals of children between the age 3 to 5 years old, and their obesity level. A cross sectional study conducted on one hundred and thirty children (3-6 years of age; 73 boys and 57 girls) of a private preschool in Jeddah city .Firstly we assessed children weights using anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, IBW/Age, IHT/Age). Secondly Schools meals were analyzed using the USD super tracker (food analysis program) and dietary intakes using both FFQs and 2-day food records to be filled by mothers. We also assessed mother's knowledge, using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS program by applying one way ANOVA using the LSD test and univariate ANOVA test. Data have shown that the prevalence of normal weight, underweight and overweight of the subjects were 66.1%, 6.7% 26.3% respectively. Results showed a significant difference between normal weight student and overweight (p≥ 0.001) and a significant difference between underweight student (p≥ 0.001) and overweight student. Also, there was a significant difference between underweight student and normal weight student (p≥ 0.001). School meal analysis results indicated that the total calories on breakfast are slightly low (23% of total requirement) but the total calories in lunch are slightly high (40% of total requirement) comparing to RDA. Protein content was at the normal range, whereas carbohydrates and saturated fat were at the higher level at lunch (>7%). Finally, responses from mothers on child's home meals were zero. In conclusion, the current study showed that 27% of children were overweight, and meals did not meet the RDA with carbohydrate and fat and lack of interest with mothers to be involved in child nutrition. Such data suggests an increase in the awareness of nutrition and health to staff responsible of preparing meals at schools, teachers and mothers to prevent childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity in association with eating habits & lifestyles among Saudi students in low socioeconomic status: a cross sectional study

“…14 Dietary habits established in early childhood significantly influence inclination towards junk food in the future, which lead to overweight or obesity, diabetes, and allergies. 15 This study followed the previous work conducted by Dr Eid and colleagues, 3 which assessed one of the main risk factors for obesity; meal quality. However, this study focuses on eating habits and lifestyles, which are regarded as major risk factors and include nutrition awareness, 16 physical activity, 17 consumption of sugary drinks and sweets 18 and low consumption of fruits and vegetables.…”

“…In the recently conducted Saudi School Meal and Home Meal Study (SSMHMS), a meal analysis showed that school meals contain a high amount of carbohydrates, which is also associated with high levels of obesity and overweight children. 3 In addition, other studies have observed that sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks are significantly associated with BMI scores and obesity levels. 25 This is due to the high energy intake and availability, which has critical impact on causing obesity, which is accompanied by low activity levels.…”

“…34 We plan to follow a study conducted on the Lebanese population to identify major eating patterns associated with both children and mothers in Saudi Arabia using similar methods, which are one to one interviews and FFQs, 35 to create a suitable health promoting programme which targets mothers and children in Saudi schools. 3,6…”

“…1 Their prevalence is increasing worldwide and is not limited to western or developed countries, it is also prevalent in high income and developing countries. 2 Increasing consumption of energy-dense and poor nutritional value foods with high levels of sugar and saturated fats, 3 coupled with reduced physical activity has resulted in high obesity rates among children. 4 The majority of youth and children, including pre-primary school children from the KSA, consume an insufficient amount of fruits and vegetables, which in turn can lead to inadequate consumption of dietary fibre and essential nutrients.…”

“…The prevalence of childhood nutrition-related issues is rapidly increasing among school-going and pre-primary school children in the KSA. 3 Furthermore, a survey indicated that most overweight or obese preprimary school children hail from high-income or affluent families. 5 Therefore, both parents and children require formal training in food and nutrition to establish proper and healthy eating habits and lifestyles, hus ensuring preventive measures to ward off the associated adverse health conditions.…”