Dietary Patterns and Obesity Associated Factors in Primary School Children

Abstract

A B S T R A C T Background and Objectives:To provide efficient recommendation for the prevention of childhood obesity and eating disorders, it is necessary to understand and explore their dietary patterns (DPs). The main aim of the current study was to explore dietary patterns among primary school aged children and determine the relationship between different dietary patterns and factors including anthropometric measurements, family size, school performance, weekly consumption of breakfast and physical activity. Materials and Methods:Male and female primary school children aged 7-11 (n=761) were recruited in a cross-sectional study from all districts of Tehran(2003Tehran( -2004. The students and their caregivers (mainly their mothers) were interviewed to complete a 24 h recall. Dietary patterns were explored by exploratory factor analysis of the 23 food groups.Results: Three major DPs were identified: healthy, transitional and western. The tendency of children towards western diet increased with their age (P<0.001). In larger families, the tendency towards healthy DP was lower (P<0.001). Class performance score of the children was positively correlated to healthy DP (P=0.009). Frequency of weekly consumption of breakfast was negatively correlated to western DP (P<0.001). BMI was positively associated with healthy and western DPs. Conclusions:Effective interventions for adapting older children and larger families to healthy eating is urged. For better judgment about correlation of DPs and adiposity more studies are recommended.

The relationships between dietary patterns and socioeconomic status with anthropometric and body composition indices in Iranian preschool children: A cross‐sectional study

“…Obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer are all chronic diseases that can be prevented by changing one's DP and/or lifestyle choices during childhood and adolescence. 43 Our findings showed a significant relationship between meatfree DP and BMI Z-score. In other words, more adherence to the "meat-free" diet was associated with a higher BMI Z-score.…”

“…Dietary patterns related to various chronic diseases typically begin before puberty and may only change minimally over time. Obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer are all chronic diseases that can be prevented by changing one's DP and/or lifestyle choices during childhood and adolescence 43 . The present study contributes to the limited research available in this population, offering a deeper understanding of how dietary habits and socioeconomic factors influence measures of body composition.…”

“…Obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer are all chronic diseases that can be prevented by changing one's DP and/or lifestyle choices during childhood and adolescence. 43 The present study contributes to the limited research available in this population, offering a deeper understanding of how dietary habits and socioeconomic factors influence measures of body composition. By focusing on a specific age group and geographical location, this research offers unique insights that can inform targeted interventions and policies to promote healthy growth and development among Iranian preschool children.…”