1
|
Papandreou D, Karavetian M, Karabouta Z, Andreou E. Obese Children with Metabolic Syndrome Have 3 Times Higher Risk to Have Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Compared with Those without Metabolic Syndrome. Int J Endocrinol 2017; 2017:2671692. [PMID: 29118811 PMCID: PMC5651153 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2671692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese children. One hundred and twenty-five subjects aged 11-12 years old participated in the study. METHODS Anthropometric and biochemical indices were measured, including lipid and liver profile, blood glucose, serum insulin, and liver ultrasound. RESULTS Forty-four children (58.6%) were found to have MS. Insulin resistance was present in 78 (62.4%) children. Patients with MS were more likely to have NAFLD (P < 0.001). Children with NAFLD had significantly higher body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting insulin, and lower high-density lipoprotein compared to patients with normal livers (P < 0.001). Insulin resistance was significantly higher in children with NAFLD (P < 0.001). Obese children presenting with MS were 3.01 (2.87-3.57, P < 0.002) times more likely to develop NAFLD compared to those without metabolic syndrome after adjustment of cofounders. CONCLUSIONS Obese children with MS have a higher risk of developing NAFLD. Weight management and early prevention should be the first line of treatment to prevent any possible health issues later on.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirey Karavetian
- Department of Health Sciences, CNHS, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Zacharoula Karabouta
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Andreou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Karabouta Z, Papandreou D, Makedou A, Rousso I, Athanassiadou F. Associations of Apolipoprotein A, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Fasting Plasma Insulin in Obese Children With and Without Family History of Cardiovascular Disease. J Clin Med Res 2016; 8:431-6. [PMID: 27222670 PMCID: PMC4852775 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr2531w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The worldwide prevalence of childhood obesity has increased from 4.2% to 6.7% during the last two decades. Pediatric obesity is a major health problem, which is dramatically increasing in Greece. A variety of inflammatory variables have been also found to associate with cardiometabolic (CV) risk in obese children. The purpose of this study was to identify and examine the effects of possible CV risk factors in obese and non-obese children with and without family history (FH) of cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS Sixty-eight (68) healthy children and adolescents aged 7 - 13 years participated in the study. Anthropometrical and biochemical indexes were obtained from all children as well as FH of CVD. RESULTS Systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fasting plasma insulin (FPI) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were found statistically significantly higher in the obese group compared to the non-obese one. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were observed to be statistically significantly lower in the obese children compared to their normal peers. CONCLUSIONS Apolipoprotein A, hsCRP and FPI levels were significantly higher in the obese children with FH of CVD compared to the ones without FH of CVD. TC and SBP were found to be independently associated with obesity (odds ratio (OR): 1.965, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.935 - 2.97, P < 0.031 and OR: 1.045, 95% CI: 1.016 - 1.074, P < 0.002, respectively).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zacharoula Karabouta
- The 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Papandreou
- The 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Greece; Department of Natural Sciences & Public Health, Zayed University, AbuDhabi, UAE
| | - Areti Makedou
- The 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Greece
| | - Israel Rousso
- The 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Greece
| | - Fani Athanassiadou
- The 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Karatzi K, Moschonis G, Barouti AA, Lionis C, Chrousos GP, Manios Y. Dietary patterns and breakfast consumption in relation to insulin resistance in children. The Healthy Growth Study. Public Health Nutr 2014; 17:2790-7. [PMID: 24477051 PMCID: PMC10282397 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980013003327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Insulin resistance is a significant cross-point for the manifestation of several chronic diseases in children and adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible relationship of certain dietary patterns and breakfast consumption habits with insulin resistance in children. SUBJECTS A representative sample of 1912 schoolchildren (aged 9-13 years) participated in a cross-sectional epidemiological study, the Healthy Growth Study, which was initiated in May 2007 and completed in June 2009. SETTING It was conducted in seventy-seven primary schools in four large regions in Greece. DESIGN Dietary intake, breakfast consumption, anthropometric and physical examination data, biochemical indices and socio-economic information collected from parents were assessed in all children. Principal components analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. RESULTS A dietary pattern of increased consumption of margarine, sweets (candies, lollipops, jellies, traditional fruit in heavy syrup) and savoury snacks (chips, cheese puffs and not home-made popcorn) was associated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR; β = 0·08, P < 0·001) in multivariate models. Children in the third tertile of this dietary pattern had a 2·51 (95 % CI 1·30, 4·90) times higher risk of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR > 3·16) than those in the first tertile. Breakfast consumption had an inverse correlation with insulin resistance, but the correlation lost its significance after adjustments for waist circumference, birth weight, parental BMI and socio-economic status. CONCLUSIONS Increased consumption of margarine, sweets and savoury snacks, which is a common dietary pattern in childhood, was positively associated with insulin resistance, while breakfast consumption had an inverse association with HOMA-IR, in schoolchildren (aged 9-13 years). Identification of dietary behaviours that might affect insulin resistance in children offers valuable advice in cardiometabolic risk prevention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Karatzi
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University of Athens, 70 El. Venizelou Avenue, 17671 Kallithea, Athens, Greece
| | - George Moschonis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University of Athens, 70 El. Venizelou Avenue, 17671 Kallithea, Athens, Greece
| | - Afroditi-Alexandra Barouti
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University of Athens, 70 El. Venizelou Avenue, 17671 Kallithea, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Yannis Manios
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University of Athens, 70 El. Venizelou Avenue, 17671 Kallithea, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kurokawa N, Nakai K, Suzuki K, Sugawara N, Sakurai K, Ohba T, Shimada M, Kameo S, Nakatsuka H, Satoh H. Trends of body mass index distribution in schoolchildren in Sendai, Japan, 1989-2003. Obes Res Clin Pract 2013; 3:1-52. [PMID: 24345538 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2008.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2007] [Revised: 10/08/2008] [Accepted: 10/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY Accumulating evidence indicates a strong association between obesity and health problems. Childhood obesity increases the risk of adulthood obesity. Although it is reported that the number of obese children in Japan has increased, it is unclear whether the obesity index distribution pattern has changed. To clarify this distribution pattern, we analyzed the changes in the body mass index (BMI) of primary (6th grade, 12 years old) and junior high (3rd year, 15 years old) schoolchildren in the city of Sendai during the period from 1989 to 2003. Our department has accumulated information on the height and body weight of all the schoolchildren in the city of Sendai. BMI was calculated using both the height and body weight data. The change in median BMI for 15 years had a slightly upward trend every year with both gender and school year. Although the BMI distribution showed that there was little or no change over time in the lower (10th and 25th) percentiles, the increases in the 75th and 90th percentiles were more marked than that in the 50th percentile in primary school children. On the other hand, there was only a small increase in BMI in the 3rd year of junior high school. Our results indicated that the changes in BMI distribution were concentrated at the upper end of the distribution in primary school children. The shifts in the value of high percentiles might be due to effect modification of the corresponding exposure by another environmental exposure or genetic predisposition. It is suggested that the factors causing this change influenced only part of this population, and affected individuals might represent a susceptible subpopulation of the exposed children.:
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoyuki Kurokawa
- Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate school of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate school of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Keita Suzuki
- Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate school of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Norio Sugawara
- Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate school of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kozue Sakurai
- Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate school of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohba
- Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate school of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Miyuki Shimada
- Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate school of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Satomi Kameo
- Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate school of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Haruo Nakatsuka
- Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate school of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Satoh
- Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate school of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Risvas G, Papaioannou I, Panagiotakos DB, Farajian P, Bountziouka V, Zampelas A. Perinatal and family factors associated with preadolescence overweight/obesity in Greece: the GRECO study. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2012; 2:145-53. [PMID: 23856452 PMCID: PMC7320328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jegh.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore associations of perinatal and family factors with preadolescence overweight and obesity in a sample of Greek schoolchildren. METHODS A nationwide cross-sectional study among 2093 students (10.9 ± 0.72 years, 44.9% boys) and their parents were conducted. Anthropometric (e.g., height, weight, mother's body mass index (BMI) at the time of the study and at conception), socio-demographic (e.g., age, education, socio-economic status), diet and other major lifestyle characteristics (e.g., smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity and inactivity) and perinatal factors (e.g., breast- and formula-feeding) were collected with validated questionnaires. Height and weight of students were measured. Overweight/obesity was classified using IOTF cut-offs. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were used to identify major independent factors of overweight/obesity among preadolescents and factors related with the percentage change of mother's BMI, respectively. RESULTS Increased age at pregnancy [odds ratios (OR)=0.95, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.93-0.97], higher BMI at conception (OR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.12-1.22) and heavy smoking (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.23-3.33) were positively associated with child's overweight/obesity status. Moreover, mother's age and TV viewing, indicating inactivity, were the strongest factors of the percentage increase in mother's BMI (b ± se = 0.23 ± 0.07, p = 0.002; b ± se=0.32 ± 0.10, p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Preadolescent obesity is associated with mother's pre-pregnancy weight, age and heavy smoking at conception and mother's BMI change after gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grigoris Risvas
- Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Ivi Papaioannou
- Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Paul Farajian
- Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Bountziouka
- Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 17671 Kallithea, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Zampelas
- Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kollias A, Skliros E, Stergiou GS, Leotsakos N, Saridi M, Garifallos D. Obesity and associated cardiovascular risk factors among schoolchildren in Greece: a cross-sectional study and review of the literature. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2011; 24:929-38. [PMID: 22308844 DOI: 10.1515/jpem.2011.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence and determinants of obesity and associated cardiovascular risk factors in a sample of Greek children. METHODS This is a cross-sectional, school-based study of 780 students (9.2 +/- 1.8 years old, 415 boys) conducted in Eastern Attica, the greater area of the city of Athens. The study protocol included anthropometric, blood pressure (BP), and biochemical measurements, as well as dietary and lifestyle habits assessment. A review of Greek studies on childhood obesity was also performed. RESULTS Approximately 22% of the participants were overweight and 8% were obese, which is in accordance with the results of 24 previous Greek studies showing the childhood overweight/obesity prevalence in the range of 30%. Overweight/obese children compared with normal-weight children had higher BP, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and higher triglycerides (p < 0.05 for all). Parental weight, consumption of sweets and fast-food, and decreased physical activity were independent determinants of being overweight/obese. Furthermore, overweight/obesity predicted the presence of high BP, low HDL-C, and high triglycerides. CONCLUSION A close association was revealed between obesity and metabolic abnormalities, underlining the need for early screening and intervention in overweight children in order to address the emerging childhood obesity epidemic in Greece.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Kollias
- Hypertension Center, Third University Department of Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gross R, Brammli-Greenberg S, Rabinowitz J, Gordon B, Afek A. Disparities in obesity temporal trends of Israeli adolescents by ethnic origin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 6:e154-61. [PMID: 20942742 DOI: 10.3109/17477166.2010.500389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the temporal trends of obesity over time among male adolescents of different ethnic origins. METHODS Population-based national data of subjects presenting at recruitment centers for medical examinations as part of screening for military draft. Subjects were 17-year-old Jewish males (n=1 140 937) born in the years 1950-1986. Data on body mass index (BMI) were measured (without clothing and shoes) by physicians. We calculated the prevalence of obesity (BMI 29.4 or higher) for each year by ethnic origin group. A Multinomial logistic regression model was used to estimate the effects of ethnic origin and other risk factors on the likelihood of obesity. RESULTS Over time, obesity rates have risen among all ethnic groups of adolescents. Multinomial regression analysis showed a lower likelihood of obesity among those of Asia-Africa origin as compared with other groups. However, obesity rates have increased more significantly over time among this ethnic group compared with the other groups. CONCLUSION A significant finding of this study is the disparities in temporal trends in the likelihood of obesity over time. Among adolescents of Asia-Africa origin the likelihood of obesity increased more steeply over time compared with other groups of adolescents. Health services in Israel should thus consider Asia-African origin as a distinct risk factor and target interventions to prevent future obesity among these adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Revital Gross
- Smokler Center for Health Policy Research, Myers-JDC Brookdale Institute, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Development of a diet-lifestyle quality index for young children and its relation to obesity: the Preschoolers Diet-Lifestyle Index. Public Health Nutr 2010; 13:2000-9. [PMID: 20409357 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980010000698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop an index that assesses the degree of adherence to existing diet-lifestyle recommendations for preschoolers (Preschoolers Diet-Lifestyle Index (PDL-Index)) and to investigate its association with obesity. DESIGN The PDL-Index was constructed using eleven components (i.e. questions regarding the frequency of consumption of selected foods/food groups, time spent on television watching and on moderate-to-vigorous physical activities). SETTING Scores from 0 to 4 were assigned to all components of the index. The PDL-Index total score ranged from 0 to 44. Higher values of the PDL-Index indicate greater adherence to dietary and lifestyle recommendations for preschoolers or otherwise greater adherence to healthier dietary-lifestyle patterns. SUBJECTS As a validation procedure, a sample of 2287 preschoolers from Greece (GENESIS study) was used. RESULTS The participants following healthier diet-lifestyle patterns (third tertile of PDL-Index) were less likely to be obese or overweight/obese compared to those following unhealthy diet-lifestyle patterns (first tertile of PDL-Index). It was observed that a 1/44 unit increase in the score of the PDL-Index was associated with approximately 5 % and 3 % lower odds of being obese and overweight/obese, respectively. Statistically significant results were observed after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS The suggested PDL-Index could help public health policy makers in identifying vulnerable population subgroups and developing cost-effective, targeted intervention actions both in family and preschool settings. In addition, health-care professionals can use the PDL-Index to evaluate diet quality, lifestyle and risk for overweight/obesity at an individual level and counsel parents accordingly.
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity in children is a serious public health issue in Greece. The purpose of the current study was to identify risk factors such as birth weight, breast-feeding, dietary patterns, family history of obesity and sedentary behaviours that are possibly associated with paediatric obesity. DESIGN Two hundred and five overweight and obese children (OW/OB; group 1) aged 7-15 years from eight primary and secondary schools and a control group (group 2) of normal-weight children were matched for age and sex. Overweight and obesity were calculated based on the International Obesity Taskforce criteria. Lifestyle parameters as well as anthropometric data were collected in all children. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for obesity. RESULTS Breast-feeding (> or =3 months) and leisure-time physical activity proved to be protector factors against obesity (OR = 0.21, 95 % CI 0.11, 0.79, P < 0.001 and OR = 0.87, 95 % CI 0.85, 0.89, P < 0.001 respectively). On the other hand, family history of obesity (OR = 3.79, 95 % CI 2.61, 4.18, P < 0.001), sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (OR = 1.77, 95 % CI 1.03, 2.76, P < 0.001) and watching television (OR = 1.99, 95 % CI 1.54, 2.76, P = 0.04) were found to be positively associated with a higher obesity risk. CONCLUSIONS The current findings support the literature according to which duration of breast-feeding (<3 months), a family history of obesity, watching television, sedentary lifestyle and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages are important risk factors for childhood obesity. More studies are needed to elucidate the relationship of paediatric obesity and possible predictor factors in order to avoid health consequences in these children later on in life.
Collapse
|
10
|
Diet quality of preschool children and maternal perceptions/misperceptions: The GENESIS study. Public Health 2009; 123:738-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2009.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2008] [Revised: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 10/04/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
11
|
Roditis ML, Parlapani ES, Tzotzas T, Hassapidou M, Krassas GE. Epidemiology and predisposing factors of obesity in Greece: from the Second World War until today. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2009; 22:389-405. [PMID: 19618657 DOI: 10.1515/jpem.2009.22.5.389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 30 years overweight and obesity among adults and children have been on the rise, and since 1997 WHO has designated obesity as a major public health problem. In Greece both adult and childhood obesity is now recognized as an epidemic problem, probably more important than in other European countries. The issue is more serious in male adolescents and adults. There is also a tendency for weight increase along the last 30 years. Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus are also rising rapidly in the Greek population. The reasons for this epidemic in Greece are not clear. Possible explanations could emerge from the delayed but sharp economic evolution of the country, as well as the abandonment of the traditional Mediterranean diet. Other predisposing factors in Greek children are parental obesity, frequent television viewing, low rates of breastfeeding and, in adolescent girls, smoking and alcohol consumption. Emerging measures are needed to confront this epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Roditis
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Panagia General Hospital, Greece
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Manios Y, Kourlaba G, Kondaki K, Grammatikaki E, Birbilis M, Oikonomou E, Roma-Giannikou E. Diet Quality of Preschoolers in Greece Based on the Healthy Eating Index: The GENESIS Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 109:616-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jada.2008.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2008] [Accepted: 10/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
13
|
Vardavas CI, Linardakis MK, Hatzis CM, Saris WHM, Kafatos AG. Prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity among farmers from Crete (Greece), four decades after the Seven Countries Study. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2009; 19:156-162. [PMID: 19176283 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2008.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2008] [Revised: 10/16/2008] [Accepted: 10/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM As first shown 40 years ago farmers from Crete had one of the healthiest lifestyles compared to other participants of the Seven Countries Study. Taking the above into account we investigated the prevalence of obesity and its indexes among farmers in Crete in 2005. METHODS AND RESULTS 502 farmers (18-79 years old) from the Valley of Messara in Crete were randomly selected and examined. Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (W/Hip Ratio), waist-to-height ratio (W/Height Ratio), conicity index, percentage of body fat and hours of daily light physical activity (LPhA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPhA) were calculated for each subject. 86,1% of the study population was overweight and/or obese. Specifically 42.9% had a BMI of 25.1-30 kg/m(2) and were overweight and 43.2% were obese with a BMI>30 kg/m(2). The percentage of body fat was estimated at 27.3% of total body weight among males and 39.3% among females, while all obesity indexes were found to differ between genders. CONCLUSIONS In comparison to middle aged male farmers from Crete in the 1960s, mean weight has increased by 20 kg (83 kg vs. 63 kg), which has lead to a 7 kg/m(2) in mean BMI (22.9 kg/m(2) vs. 29.8 kg/m(2)), findings that support the fact that the prevalence of obesity in Greece has risen dramatically over the years, even among farmers from Crete, a population historically known for being the gold standard of health status globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C I Vardavas
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, PO Box 2208, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Assessing children's diet quality in Crete based on Healthy Eating Index: The Children Study. Eur J Clin Nutr 2009; 63:964-9. [DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2009.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
15
|
Tzotzas T, Kapantais E, Tziomalos K, Ioannidis I, Mortoglou A, Bakatselos S, Kaklamanou M, Lanaras L, Kaklamanos I. Epidemiological survey for the prevalence of overweight and abdominal obesity in Greek adolescents. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2008; 16:1718-22. [PMID: 18451778 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2008.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to provide estimates of overweight (OW), obesity (OB), and abdominal OB (AO) in a representative sample of adolescents throughout the whole of Greece. A total of 14,456 adolescents aged 13-19 years (6,677 boys and 7,779 girls) had direct measurements (height, weight, waist circumference (WC)) taken at school during 2003. The overall prevalence of OW including OB in the population studied was 29.4% in boys and 16.7% in girls. OB prevalence was also higher in boys than in girls (6.1% vs. 2.7%), whereas prevalence of AO was higher in girls than in boys (21.7% vs. 13.5%). Rates of OW, OB, and AO were significantly more prevalent in the Greek than in the foreign male population (immigrants). OW% in adolescent girls was independently associated with smoking and alcohol consumption. The prevalence of OW and OB in Greek adolescents is high, particularly in boys, comparable with that reported for most Mediterranean European countries. AO, mainly in adolescent girls, also appears high. Preventive and treatment strategies are urgently needed to combat this OB epidemic in Greece.
Collapse
|
16
|
Waldhoer T, Rami B, Schober E. Perinatal risk factors for early childhood onset type 1 diabetes in Austria - a population-based study (1989-2005). Pediatr Diabetes 2008; 9:178-81. [PMID: 18331411 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-5448.2008.00378.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the rapid increase in incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children <5 yr in Austria. METHODS Data of children born between 1989 and 2005 (n = 444) from the T1DM children incidence registry were linked with birth certificates (n = 1 407 829). RESULTS Age of mother, level of education, birth weight, birth length, body mass index, and APGAR score at 10 min were not significant. Boys have about 25% higher risk than girls [hazard ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62-0.91]. The risk of developing diabetes increases over time significantly (1989-1991 vs. 2001-2005, hazard ratio = 2.86, 95% CI: 2.07-3.94). The linear effect of parity is borderline significant (p = 0.045), with lower risks for second and later born siblings. Marital status is significant [hazard ratio = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.57-0.90)]. Native-born children exhibit twice as high risk as non-native children (hazard ratio = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.37-0.71). Birth weight shows a positive but not significant effect on risk of T1DM. CONCLUSIONS In this very young and rapidly increasing cohort of diabetic children <5 yr of age, no association with birth weight but with year of birth, gestational age, nationality and parity could be observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Waldhoer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center of Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yannakoulia M, Papanikolaou K, Hatzopoulou I, Efstathiou E, Papoutsakis C, Dedoussis GV. Association between family divorce and children's BMI and meal patterns: the GENDAI Study. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2008; 16:1382-7. [PMID: 18369339 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2008.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to explore the associations between family factors, including divorce, and children's overweight as well as eating and physical activity patterns in a population-based sample of healthy school-aged children. In this cross-sectional study, 1,138 children (53% girls; age: 11.2 +/- 0.7 years) from elementary schools in the Attica region participated. Their parents provided sociodemographic information, including their marital status. Overweight status classification was based on weight and height measurements and BMI evaluation. Children completed a physical activity checklist and a questionnaire on meal patterns and eating behaviors. The Eating Style score was calculated: the higher the score, the more frequent a child was engaged in less-structured feeding practices promoting food intake for reasons other than hunger. Analysis revealed significant association between family divorce and children's overweight: compared with children of married parents, those of divorced had significantly higher BMI levels (20.0 +/- 3.6 kg/m(2) vs. 21.3 +/- 3.4 kg/m(2), respectively, P = 0.007). Controlling for socioeconomic and physical activity factors, divorce remains a significant predictor of a higher BMI, along with older age, higher father's and mother's BMI, less children in the family, and more minutes of daily screen time. Children who had experienced a divorce in their family also reported higher Eating Style score, even after adjusting for potential confounders. In conclusion, in this sample of fifth and sixth graders, unfavorable family circumstances have been associated with children's overweight, as well as with aspects of their eating behavior, namely eating style in relation to conditions around food consumption and hunger, independent of other socioeconomic factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Yannakoulia
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood obesity is a growing public health problem. We have examined the association between sociodemographic profile and eating and physical activity patterns with overweight among primary-school students in Athens, Greece. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Eleven primary schools in the greater Athens area, Greece. SUBJECTS A total of 633 children aged 10-12 years (50 % boys, 50 % girls) were interviewed in person during spring 2003. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association between eating and physical activity patterns and overweight (> or =85th sex- and age-specific BMI centile). Results are presented as odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. RESULTS Overweight was more common among girls than among boys (OR=1.73; 95% CI 1.11, 2.69) and substantially less common among children born outside Greece (OR=0.46; CI 0.22, 0.95). Reported physical activity (per 1.5 h per day) was unrelated to overweight (OR=0.97; CI 0.85, 1.12) but patent physical inactivity, operationalised as time spent watching television or working/playing with the computer (per 1.5 h per day) was a highly significant predictor of overweight (OR=1.20; CI 1.05, 1.36). Composition of diet was unrelated to overweight but the daily number of eating occasions, controlling for total energy intake, was significantly inversely associated with overweight (OR=0.61; CI 0.48, 0.76). CONCLUSIONS The principal factor underlying overweight among children in Athens appears to be the extended inactivity imposed by modern childhood lifestyles. An intriguing finding is that spreading a given energy intake over several eating occasions was inversely associated with the likelihood of childhood obesity.
Collapse
|
19
|
Manios Y, Grammatikaki E, Papoutsou S, Liarigkovinos T, Kondaki K, Moschonis G. Nutrient Intakes of Toddlers and Preschoolers in Greece: The GENESIS Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 108:357-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jada.2007.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2006] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
20
|
The association between consumption of breakfast cereals and BMI in schoolchildren aged 12-17 years: the VYRONAS study. Public Health Nutr 2007; 11:1015-21. [PMID: 18093352 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980007001437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether consumption of breakfast cereals is associated with BMI in a sample of Greek adolescents. DESIGN A cross-sectional health and nutrition survey. SETTING AND SUBJECTS During 2004-5, 2008 schoolchildren aged 12-17 years were selected from twelve schools located in Vyronas region (Athens metropolitan area). Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. A semiquantitative FFQ was applied and multiple logistic regression analysis was used. RESULTS Overall, 4.7% of boys and 1.7% of girls were obese, whereas 19.4% of boys and 13.2% of girls were overweight. Only 20.7% of boys and 15.5% of girls reported that they consume cereals as a first choice for breakfast. Consumption of breakfast cereals was associated with lower BMI in boys (P=0.08) and girls(P=0.019), irrespective of age and physical activity status. More prominent results were observed for daily cereal consumption or for more than two daily servings of cereals consumed for breakfast. Consumption of pre-sweetened breakfast cereals was associated with lower BMI compared with non-pre-sweetened or no intake of cereals, in both genders (P<0.001). Consumption of breakfast cereals was associated with 33% (95% CI 14%, 48%) lower likelihood of overweight/obesity, irrespective of age, sex and physical activity status. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of breakfast cereals was associated with lower BMI levels and a lower likelihood of overweight/obesity in both genders; thus a solid basis for public health professionals could be built when issuing advice on weight management.
Collapse
|
21
|
Bibliography. Current world literature. Obesity and nutrition. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2007; 14:421-6. [PMID: 17940474 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e3282f0ca40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|