Associations between diet and (in)activity behaviours with overweight and obesity among 10–18-year-old Czech Republic adolescents

Examining the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors and Lifestyle Habits on Obesity Prevalence Among Male and Female Adolescent Students in Asser, Saudi Arabia

Background Understanding the relationships between obesity and lifestyle factors is essential for the effective prevention and management of obesity in youth. This study aimed to investigate the association between sociodemographic factors, lifestyle elements such as physical activity and social stress, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Saudi adolescents in the Aseer region. Methodology From December 2022 to March 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional study using the multi-stage stratified random sampling technique. The study included Saudi male and female adolescents aged 12-19 years attending middle and high schools. Ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze the association between the ordinal dependent variable, classified into weight groups (normal, overweight, obese), and the independent variables. Results Of the total of 512 individuals, 90.4% were aged ≥18 years, 77.5% were males, and 76.8% were urban residents. Of the studied population, 33.6% were overweight, and 20.5% were obese. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was significantly higher among males compared to females (20.9% vs. 19.1% and 36.5% vs. 23.5%, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed the following factors to be associated with obesity and overweight: female gender (2.31, 95% CI = 1.45-3.71), age 12-17 years (0.53, 95% CI = 0.28-0.97), place of delivery (Tanoma) (2.32, 95% CI = 1.13-4.75), family size of over eight members (0.43, 95% CI = 0.24-0.74), family monthly income of over 20,000 SAR (3.79, 95% CI = 1.38-11.35), being smokers (0.26, 95% CI = 1.31-2.93), experiencing social stress (1.96, 95% CI = 1.96-2.93), engagement in physical activity less than three times a week (0.49, 95% CI = 0.32-0.75), and engagement in physical activity more than three times a week (0.36, 95% CI = 0.22-0.58). Conclusions These findings emphasize the importance of addressing demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors in combating childhood and adolescent obesity through targeted interventions.

Surveillance of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in czech children and adolescents: a scoping review of the literature from the past two decades

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to map the available evidence related to physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in Czech children and adolescents and suggest future directions and improvements to strengthen the surveillance of PA and SB in the Czech Republic.

METHODS

The search of articles published between January 2000 and December 2020 included the Medline and Medvik databases and a manual search in eight Czech journals related to the topic. This review followed the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews".

RESULTS

Out of 350 identified articles, 79 articles met the criteria for selection and referred to 27 studies. The majority of the articles were cross-sectional (89%), approximately two-thirds of the articles (61%) examined only PA, and half of the articles (51%) employed device-based assessments. Approximately 47% of the articles reported the prevalence of physical inactivity on the basis of inconsistently defined recommendations. Approximately 14%, 23%, and 10% of the articles focused on active transportation, organized PA (including physical education or leisure-time PA), and parent-child PA, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies need to focus on longitudinal design and interventions, randomly selected samples, a mix of device-based and self-reported methods, and the recognition of health-related 24-hour time use patterns. This review advocates the government-supported development of a national surveillance system that will help to reduce insufficient PA and excessive SB.

Intensitas Penggunaan Media Sosial, Kebiasaan Olahraga, dan Obesitas Pada Remaja Di SMA Negeri 6 Surabaya Tahun 2019

Background: Physical activity is the external factors which has a siginficant corellation with obesity among adolecscents.The prevalence of obese adolescents in Indonesia has increased from 2013-2018. Sedentary lifestyle tends to expand largely in a high-tech society.  The amount of time spent for social media usage has decreased their ability to do physical activity. Objectives: The research purpose to analyze corelation between intensity of social media usage and sport habits Senior High School 6 Surabaya students.Methods: The study was analytic observation with cross sectional study design. The population were students in 10th and 11th grade in Senior High School 6 Surabaya in total 614 people. Sample as determined by cluster random sampling and 133 sample were chosen. The data collected include the characteristic of sample sport habist and social media intensity usage through administered questionnaire, and nutritional status based on BMI/Age calculation in WHO Antro 2005. Data was analyzed by Spearman test.Results: Most of students have low level in sport habits (52.6%), while the intensity of social media use was high (57.1%). There were respondents with overweight (21.1%) and underweight (6.8%), although the most of them had normal nutritional status (72.2%). There was significant relationship between social media intensity usage and sport habits among students in SMAN 6 Surabaya (p<0.001) with (r=-0.608) this showed that the higher the intensity of the usde of social media, the lower the exercise habits in adolescents.Conclusions: The high intensity of social media use is related to the low exercise habits of students of SMAN 6 SurabayaABSTRAK Latar Belakang: Aktivitas fisik merupakan faktor eksternal terbesar penyebab obesitas pada remaja. Prevalensi remaja gemuk di Indonesia mengalami peningkatan dari tahun 2013-2018.  Gaya hidup kurang gerak cenderung terus meluas dalam masyarakat berteknologi maju. Peningkatan penggunaan media sosial, telah mengurangi jumlah waktu remaja untuk berolahraga.Tujuan: Menganalisis hubungan antara intensitas penggunaan media sosial dan kebiasaan olahraga serta kaitannya dengan obesitas pada siswa/i SMAN 6 Surabaya.Metode: Desain penelitian ini adalah cross sectional. Populasi penelitian adalah seluruh siswa/i kelas X dan XI SMAN 6 Surabaya sebanyak 614 orang. Sampel penelitian sebanyak 133 siswa/i yang dipilih dengan menggunakan cluster random sampling berdasarkan kelompok kelas X dan XI di SMAN 6 Surabaya. Data pada penelitian ini meliputi data karakteristik responden, kebiasaan olahraga dan intensitas penggunaan media sosial menggunakan kuesioner, serta status gizi berdasarkan pengukuran IMT/U sesuai standar World Health Organization (WHO) tahun 2005. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji korelasi Spearman.Hasil: Sebagian besar responden memiliki kebiasaan olahraga yang tergolong rendah (52,6%) sedangkan, intensitas penggunaan media sosial tergolong tinggi (57,1%). Terdapat responden yang memiliki status gizi lebih (21,1%) dan kurang (6,8%) meskipun, sebagian besar dari mereka memiliki status gizi normal (72,2%). Ada hubungan yang signifikan antara intensitas penggunaan media sosial dengan kebiasaan olahraga (p=0,000) dengan (r=-0,475) semakin tinggi intensitas penggunaan media sosial maka semakin rendah kebiasaan olahraga pada remaja.Kesimpulan: Tingginya intensitas penggunaan media sosial berhubungan dengan rendahnya kebiasaan olahraga pada siswa/i SMAN 6 Surabaya.. 

HUBUNGAN ASUPAN ZAT GIZI MIKRO DAN AKTIVITAS FISIK DENGAN KEJADIAN OBESITAS SENTRAL PADA PEKERJA BAGIAN PERKANTORAN

Background: Central obesity is a condition where there is a lot of fat accumulating in the body especially around the abdomen. Intake of micronutrients such as calcium and water that are lacking and low physical activity in office workers can cause central obesity.Objectives: This study aims to analyze the relationship between micronutrient intake (calcium and water) and physical activity with central obesity in office workers in PT X, Lamongan.Methods: This study was carried out using a analytic observational method using a cross sectional study design with a quantitative approach. The research sample was 44 office workers in PT X, Lamongan who were taken randomly. Data collected included measurements of waist circumference, measurements of body weight and height, 3x24 hour food recall and physical activity questionnaire. Analysis of the data in this study used a Chi-square test with 95% CI (α = 0.05).Results: This study showed that micronutrient intake consisting of calcium intake (p = 0.486) and water intake (p = 1.000) was not associated with central obesity. Meanwhile, there is a relationship between physical activity and central obesity in office workers (p = 0.028, OR = 5.40).Conclusions: Central obesity in office workers has a relationship with physical activity. However, micronutrient intake (calcium and water) is not associated with central obesity in office workers. Workers should routinely monitor their weight and abdominal circumference together with physical activities such as exercise to prevent central obesity.ABSTRAKLatar Belakang: Obesitas sentral adalah suatu keadaan dimana terdapat banyak lemak yang menumpuk di dalam tubuh khususnya di sekitar perut. Asupan zat gizi mikro seperti kalsium dan air yang kurang serta rendahnya aktivitas fisik pada pekerja bagian perkantoran dapat menyebabkan terjadinya obesitas sentral.Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan antara asupan zat gizi mikro (kalsium da air) dan aktivitas fisik dengan kejadian obesitas sentral pada pekerja bagian perkantoran di PT X, Lamongan.Metode: Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dengan metode observasional analitik menggunakan desain studi cross sectional dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Sampel penelitian sebesar 44 pekerja bagian perkantoran di PT X, Lamongan yang diambil secara acak. Data yang dikumpulkan meliputi pengukuran lingkar perut, pengukuran berat badan dan tinggi badan, food recall 3x24 jam dan kuesioner aktivitas fisik. Analisa data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan uji Chi-s     quare dengan CI sebesar 95% (α = 0.05).Hasil: Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa asupan zat gizi mikro yang terdiri dari asupan kalsium (p=0,486) dan asupan air (p=1,000) tidak berhubungan dengan kejadian obesitas sentral. Sementara  itu, terdapat hubungan antara aktivitas fisik dengan kejadian obesitas sentral pada pekerja bagian perkantoran (p=0,028, OR=5,40).Kesimpulan: Obesitas sentral pada pekerja bagian perkantoran memiliki hubungan dengan aktivitas fisik. Akan tetapi, asupan zat gizi mikro (kalsium dan air) tidak berhubungan dengan obesitas sentral pada pekerja bagian perkantoran. Pekerja sebaiknya melakukan pemantauan terhadap berat badan dan lingkar perut secara rutin bersamaan dengan melakukan aktivitas fisik seperti berolahraga untuk mencegah terjadinya obesitas sentral.

Aktivitas Fisik Saat Istirahat, Intensitas Penggunaan Smartphone, dan Kejadian Obesitas Pada Anak SD Full day School (Studi di SD Al Muslim Sidoarjo)

Background: obesity prevalence in elementary school student increased due to low physical activity rate also excessive food intake. The habit of watching tv, using computer and smartphone is also related to this obesity prevalence.Objective: Analyze physical activity at recess, intensity of smartphone use, and incidence of obesity among students at Full Day Elementary SchoolMethod: Using a case control with 110 elementary school children consisting of two groups, namely the normal nutritional status group of 55 respondents and the obesity status group of 55 respondents.Sampling was done by propotional random sampling. This study will compare physical activity at rest, and the intensity of smartphone use on obesity status and normal nutritional status. Analysis of this study data using chi-square test and logistic regression.Results : The results showed that there was a relationship between physical activity during the first break with obesity (p=0.010) and an OR value of 0.059 with a 95% CI (0.011-0.509) which meant that students who did physical activity first break by sitting at risk 0.059 times less to be obese. As for physical activity at the second rest (p=0.748), intensity of smartphone usage during weekdays (p=0.225), and intensity of smartphone use when there was no correlation with the incidence of obesity.Conclusion: Physical activity at the first break was related to the incidence of obesity in elementary school children Full Day School. As for the second resting activity, the intensity of smartphone usage during weekdays and weekends is not related to the incidence of obesity in elementary school children Full Day School.ABSTRAKLatar Belakang: Peningkatan obesitas disebabkan kurang melakukan aktivitas fisik dan kelebihan asupan makanan. Kebiasaan menonton tv, bermain komputer, dan smartphone yang dikaitkan dengan prevalensi obesitas saat ini.Tujuan:  Menganalisis hubungan aktivitas fisik saat istirahat dan intensitas penggunaan smartphone, pada anak dengan status obesitas dan status gizi normal di SD Full Day School.Metode: Mengunakan case control dengan 110 anak Sekolah Dasar yang terdiri dari dua kelompok yaitu kelompok status gizi normal sebanyak 55 responden dan kelompok status obesitas sebanyak 55 responden. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan propotional random sampling. Penelitian ini akan membandingkan aktivitas fisik saat istirahat, dan intensitas penggunaan smartphone pada status obesitas dan status gizi normal. Analisis data penelitian ini menggunakan uji chi-square dan regresi logistik.Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara aktivitas fisik saat istirahat pertama dengan obesitas (p=0,010) dan didapatkan nilai OR sebesar 0,059 dengan CI 95% (0,011-0,509) yang berarti bahwa siswa yang melakukan aktivitas fisik istirahat pertama berisiko 0,059 kali lebih kecil untuk mengalami obesitas. Sedangkan untuk aktivitas fisik saat istirahat kedua (p=0,748), intensitas penggunaan smartphone saat weekdays (p=0,225), dan intensitas penggunaan smartphone saat weekend (p=0,246) tidak terdapat hubungan dengan kejadian obesitas.Kesimpulan: Aktivitas fisik saat istirahat pertama berhubungan dengan kejadian obesitas pada anak SD Full Day School. Sedangkan untuk aktivitas istirahat kedua, intensitas penggunaan smartphone saat weekdays dan weekend tidak berhubungan dengan kejadian obesitas pada anak SD Full Day School.

Relationships between physical activity, food choices, gender and BMI in Southern Californian teenagers

Given the increased prevalence of pediatric obesity and risk of developing chronic disease, there has been great interest in preventing these conditions during childhood by focusing on healthy lifestyle habits, including nutritious eating and physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between PA, body mass index (BMI) and food choices in adolescent males and females. This cross-sectional study, using a survey questionnaire, evaluated 1212 Southern Californian adolescents' self-reported PA, BMI and food frequency. Results revealed that even though males are more active than females, they have higher BMI percentile values (p < 0.05). Females consumed salad, vegetables and fruit more frequently than males (p < 0.05), where males consumed hamburgers, pizza, red meat, processed meat, eggs, fish, fruit juice, soda and whole milk more frequently than females (p < 0.05). Overweight/obese teens consumed red meat, processed meat and cheese more frequently than healthy weight teens (p < 0.05), yet there was no difference in PA between healthy and overweight/obese teens. These results demonstrate that higher levels of PA may not counteract an unhealthy diet. Even though PA provides numerous metabolic and health benefits, this study suggests that healthy food choices may have a protective effect against overweight and obesity. Healthy food choices, along with PA, should be advocated to improve adolescent health by encouraging maintenance of a healthy weight into adulthood.

Regional differences in the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among 13-year-old adolescents in Greece

Background and objectives

To assess regional differences in the weight status and abdominal obesity among 13-year-old Greek adolescents.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional, nationwide study in Greece.

Patients and methods

A representative sample of 4833 13-year-old adolescents (50.7% boys) was recruited throughout the nine regional districts of Greece from 2010 to 2012. Basic anthropometry measurements (weight, height, and waist circumference) were obtained. Abdominal obesity and weight status were assessed according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria.

Results

The majority of the sample had a healthy body weight (60.3%), 4.1% were underweight, 27.2% were overweight, and 8.5% were obese. For boys, the highest prevalence of underweight was recorded in Epirus, normal body weight on the Ionian Islands, overweight in Central Greece and Macedonia, and obesity on the Ionian Islands. Among girls, the highest underweight prevalence was on the Ionian Islands, normal body weight in Macedonia, overweight in Central Greece and Macedonia, and obesity in Crete. Abdominal obesity affected 12.9% of the sample, with the greatest prevalence among Cretan boys and Thracian girls. Additionally, residing on the Greek islands was associated with a higher prevalence of central adiposity.

Conclusion

Greek 13-year-old adolescents who are subjected to geographical changes exhibit high obesity and abdominal obesity rates. This study provides evidence to design regionally tailored interventions that aim to tackle and prevent the disease among the nine regional districts in Greece.

Physical activity, energy intake, and obesity prevalence among urban and rural schoolchildren aged 11–12 years in Japan

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has been shown to differ among regions, including rural–urban regional differences within nations. This study obtained simultaneous accelerometry-derived physical activity, 24 h activity, and food records to clarify the potential contributing factors to rural–urban differences in childhood overweight and obesity in Japan. Sixth-grade children (n = 227, 11–12 years old) from two urban elementary schools in Kyoto and four rural elementary schools in Tohoku participated in the study. The children were instructed to wear a pedometer that included a uniaxial accelerometer and, assisted by their parents, keep minute-by-minute 24 h activity and food records. For 12 children, the total energy expenditure was measured by the doubly labeled water method that was used to correct the Lifecorder-predicted activity energy expenditure and physical activity level. The overweight and obesity prevalence was significantly higher in rural than in urban children. The number of steps per day, activity energy expenditure, physical activity level, and duration of walking to school were significantly lower in rural than in urban children. In contrast, the reported energy intake did not differ significantly between the regions. The physical activity and duration of the walk to school were significantly correlated with body mass index. Rural children had a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity, and this may be at least partly caused by lower physical activity, especially less time spent walking to school, than urban children.

SECULAR TRENDS IN BODY COMPOSITION AND FREQUENCY OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN BOYS AGED 3–18 FROM KRAKOW, POLAND, WITHIN THE LAST 30 YEARS (FROM 1983 TO 2010)

The aim of this study was to examine the changes in body composition (fatness and muscle and bone mass) and BMI in three cohorts of boys living in Krakow, Poland, over the last 30 years, and to assess how overweight and obesity frequencies have developed over the period. The anthropological survey was conducted in 2010, and comprised 1863 boys from Krakow aged 3–18 years. The analysis compared the latest measurements of selected skinfold thicknesses, BMI, total body muscle mass and bone mass with the results of surveys from 1983 (N=1934) and 2000 (N=2323). The frequency of overweight and obesity was assessed for the last survey series, and their trends determined for the years 1983–2000 and 2000–2010. The analysis of fat tissue distribution showed that the boys from the 2010 cohort, as compared with those examined in 2000, had a higher trunk adiposity, as manifested by greater thickness of subscapular and suprailiac skinfold thicknesses, and boasted a larger muscle mass and lower bone mass. The survey results also showed that, from 1983 to 2000, the percentage of overweight boys increased slightly (from 11.69% to 12.48%), whereas the frequency of obesity did not change. Over the last decade, the percentage of overweight people has increased to 15.94%, and the frequency of obesity has doubled, equalling 4.94% in 2010. The last decade has seen a minor trend in boys towards increased trunk adiposity, muscle mass, BMI and prevalence of overweight and obesity, and a slight decrease in bone mass.

Dietary factors associated with overweight and body adiposity in Finnish children aged 6-8 years: the PANIC Study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the associations of dietary factors with overweight, body fat percentage (BF%), waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) among children.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study among 510 children (263 boys, 247 girls) aged 6-8 years from Kuopio, Finland.

METHODS

The children's weight, height, WC and HC were measured. Overweight was defined by International Obesity Task Force body mass index cutoffs. The BF% was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, nutrient intakes and meal frequency by 4-day food records and eating behaviour by Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Daily consumption of all the three main meals was inversely associated with overweight (odds ratio (OR) 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.75), BF% (β -0.12, P = 0.012), WC (β -0.16, P = 0.002) and HC (β -0.15, P = 0.002). Enjoyment of food, food responsiveness and emotional overeating were directly associated with overweight (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.04-2.35; OR 4.68, 95% CI 2.90-7.54; OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.52-4.45, respectively), BF% (β 0.13, P = 0.004; β 0.30, P<0.001; β 0.09, P = 0.035, respectively), WC (β 0.14, P = 0.003; β 0.40, P<0.001; β 0.19, P<0.001, respectively) and HC (β 0.15, P = 0.001; β 0.38, P<0.001; β 0.15, P = 0.001, respectively). Satiety responsiveness was inversely associated with overweight (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.26-0.67), BF% (β -0.20, P<0.001), WC (β -0.26, P<0.001) and HC (β -0.26, P<0.001). Slowness in eating was inversely associated with overweight (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41-0.92), WC (β -0.16, P = 0.001) and HC (β -0.17, P<0.001). Protein intake was directly associated with BF% (β 0.11, P = 0.017), WC (β 0.11, P = 0.020) and HC (β 0.13, P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Promoting regular consumption of main meals and healthy eating behaviours should be emphasized in the prevention of overweight among children. More research is needed on the association of protein-rich foods with body adiposity in children.

Lifestyle factors associated with overweight and obesity among Saudi adolescents

Background

A better understanding of the relationships between obesity and lifestyle factors is necessary for effective prevention and management of obesity in youth. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between obesity measures and several lifestyle factors, including physical activity, sedentary behaviors and dietary habits among Saudi adolescents aged 14–19 years.

Methods

This was a school-based cross-sectional study that was conducted in three cities in Saudi Arabia (Al-Khobar, Jeddah and Riyadh). The participants were 2906 secondary school males (1400) and females (1506) aged 14–19 years, who were randomly selected using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. Measurements included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist/height ratio (WHtR), screen time (television viewing, video games and computer use), physical activity (determined using a validated questionnaire), and dietary habits (intake frequency per week). Logistic regression was used to examine the associations between obesity and lifestyle factors.

Results

Compared with non-obese, obese males and females were significantly less active, especially in terms of vigorous activity, had less favorable dietary habits (e.g., lower intake of breakfast, fruits and milk), but had lower intake of sugar-sweetened drinks and sweets/chocolates. Logistic regression analysis showed that overweight/obesity (based on BMI categories) or abdominal obesity (based on WHtR categories) were significantly and inversely associated with vigorous physical activity levels (aOR for high level = 0.69, 95% CI 0.41–0.92 for BMI and 0.63, 95% CI 0.45–0.89 for WHtR) and frequency of breakfast (aOR for < 3 days/week = 1.44; 95% CI 1.20–1.71 for BMI and 1.47; 95% CI 1.22–1.76 for WHtR) and vegetable (aOR for < 3 days/week = 1.29; 95% CI 1.03–1.59 for WHtR) intakes, and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (aOR for < 3 days/week = 1.32; 95% CI 1.08–1.62 for BMI and 1.42; 95% CI 1.16–1.75 for WHtR).

Conclusions

The present study identified several lifestyle factors associated with obesity that may represent valid targets for the prevention and management of obesity among Saudi adolescents. Primary prevention of obesity by promoting active lifestyles and healthy diets should be a national public health priority.

Selected eating behaviours and excess body weight: a systematic review

The relationship between obesity and the intake of macronutrients and specific foods is uncertain. Thus, there is growing interest in some eating behaviours because they may reflect the joint effect of several foods and nutrients and, thus, increase the likelihood of finding a link to obesity. This study examined the association between selected eating behaviours and excess weight in the general population throughout a systematic review of publications written in English, Spanish or Portuguese identified in a PubMed search up to 31 December 2010. We included 153 articles, 73 of which have been published since 2008. Only 30 studies had a prospective design; of these, 15 adjusted for sociodemographic variables, physical activity and energy or food intake. Moreover, definitions of eating behaviours varied substantially across studies. We found only small or inconsistent evidence of a relationship between excess weight and skipping breakfast, daily eating frequency, snacking, irregular meals, eating away from home, consumption of fast food, takeaway food intake, consumption of large food portions, eating until full and eating quickly. In conclusion, this review highlights the difficulty in measuring human behaviour, and suggests that a more systematic approach is needed for capturing the effects of eating behaviours on body weight.

SECULAR CHANGES IN HEIGHT, BODY WEIGHT, BODY MASS INDEX AND PUBERTAL DEVELOPMENT IN MALE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN KRAKOW, POLAND

This study examined the secular changes in height, body weight, body mass index and pubertal development in male children and adolescents in Krakow (Poland) over the past 80 years, with an emphasis on the last decade (2000–2010). The survey of the population of Krakow is a continuation of observations conducted in that area for many years. The analysis aims to determine whether in the last decade Krakow still witnessed the secular trend, and what form the trend took. The body height and weight, and body mass index (BMI), of 1862 boys aged 3.5–18.5 years were analysed, against the background of a survey series from the years 1938 (N=1801), 1971 (N=2045), 1983 (N=3124) and 2000 (N=2328). The mean body height, in almost all age categories, was greater than in the past; however the final height over the last decade remained the same. The mean values of body weight and BMI increased, especially in the last decade. Also, an acceleration of puberty in boys was observed. The last 10 years saw an over 3-month decrease in the age of initial appearance of pubic hair in boys. In conclusion, the last decade saw cessation of the growing taller trend: maximum body height stabilized at approximately 179 cm, but weight and BMI increased. Also, a distinct acceleration of puberty was noticed. Lack of height increase, at the same time as weight gain and puberty acceleration, indicate a progressing developmental disharmony.

Use of dietary indexes among children in developed countries

In this article, we review studies that have used dietary indexes to assess different aspects of diet in relation to health outcomes and sociodemographic factors in childhood populations of developed countries. Eighty-four papers published from 1980 to mid-2010 including 90 unique dietary indexes were reviewed. Seventy-two indexes were developed (or have been adapted) specifically for childhood populations; 38 of these were used to assess diet-disease associations, mostly of diet and obesity. In the majority of these studies, small inverse associations between dietary indexes and obesity indexes were shown. Children who were younger, female, and from high-income families had better dietary quality scores. Forty-nine indexes (of 90) were compared with other aspects of dietary intakes or behaviors, with correlations ranging from very low to modest (∼r = 0.05-0.50). Only 2 validation studies compared an index with nutritional biomarkers, and correlations were quite weak for most plasma nutrients (P < 0.10). Overall, a large number of indexes have been created and used, but the majority of studies are descriptive. Fewer analytic studies on index-health associations have been performed, and most analyses insufficiently adjusted for confounders. Thus, prospective and intervention research in diverse populations is needed to further test these tools. In conclusion, indexes are potentially useful methods for dietary assessment, because they offer valuable information on overall dietary patterns in children. However, understanding the advantages and limitations when applying them in research and public health settings is important, and more research is needed to further develop their utility.

Exploring overweight, obesity and their behavioural correlates among children and adolescents: results from the Health-promotion through Obesity Prevention across Europe project

OBJECTIVES

The Health-promotion through Obesity Prevention across Europe (HOPE) project aims to bring the European scientific knowledge on overweight, obesity and their determinants together and use the expertise of researchers across Europe to contribute to tackling the obesity epidemic.

DESIGN/SUBJECTS/RESULTS

This special issue of Public Health Nutrition presents important results from one of the work packages of the HOPE project that aims at gaining and integrating knowledge on the determinants of nutrition, physical activity and obesity among schoolchildren and adolescents (aged 10-18 years) in different European regions. It includes contributions from Northern Europe (Norway), Central and Eastern Europe (Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic), Southern Europe (Greece) and Western Europe (Belgium and The Netherlands), as well as an overview of the availability of good-quality data on prevalence rates and trends in overweight (including obesity) among adolescents in European Union (EU) countries. The studies that are included report prevalence differences, data on relevant nutrition and physical activity behaviours, as well as potential physical and environmental behavioural determinants.

CONCLUSION

These papers provide further evidence on differences in obesity and overweight prevalence among different EU regions and countries, and contribute to the further exploration of risk factors that may or should be addressed in obesity prevention efforts for school-aged children and adolescents in EU countries.

Availability of data assessing the prevalence and trends of overweight and obesity among European adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To review recent data on objectively measured overweight/obesity in national representative samples of European adolescents (aged 10-18 years), as well as availability of studies assessing trends in overweight/obesity in this target group. Attention was paid to the ability of the data to describe the obesity epidemic, especially in sociodemographic subgroups.

DESIGN/SETTING/SUBJECTS

Data on prevalence and trends in overweight/obesity among adolescents in the twenty-seven European Community member states, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, available as scientific publications as well as reports or unpublished data by the end of 2009, were retrieved. Reports on the most recent objectively measured data from national representative samples were selected and described with regard to the years of data collection, sample sizes, response rates, age ranges included, trends by age, type of measures of overweight/obesity, sociodemographic variables and the sources of information.

RESULTS

Objectively measured data on national representative samples were identified for only half of the countries, and the trend studies were mainly conducted applying subnational samples. Most studies used the criteria from the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) to define overweight/obesity, but the age ranges studied and the years of data collection varied, and information on sample sizes and response rates were often not presented. Data on trends of overweight/obesity over time are increasing, and the most recent studies indicate that the prevalence rate of overweight/obesity has stabilized. Few studies reported data by sociodemographic subgroups other than gender and age.

CONCLUSIONS

Objectively measured data on national representative samples of adolescents appear scattered, and there is a large heterogeneity with respect to the quality and comparability of available data. Increasing use of the IOTF criteria for overweight/obesity contributes to improved comparability across studies. Data by sociodemographic subgroups, and in particular by socio-economic status, are scarce.