Dietary Behavior and Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents

Sonographic Markers Are Useful for Detection of Early Vascular Deterioration in Children with Overweight/Obesity: Effect of a 1-Year Combined Nutritional Education and Physical Exercise Program

As in adults, childhood obesity is associated with several metabolic disorders; however, there is little information regarding complex obesity-derived complications such as hepatic steatosis or endothelial dysfunction at early ages. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of a nutritional and physical exercise program on obesity comorbidities in the form of subclinical atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver in young children. A total of 148 children completed the study. For nine months (one academic year), children carried out a nutritional and physical activity program of 3 h/week. Anthropometric, clinical, liver ultrasound and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) parameters were evaluated. Our results showed that the program significantly improved anthropometrical parameters, especially regarding BMI and body fat (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The effect on metabolic parameters was limited, although a significant reduction on triglycerides was observed (p = 0.009). The education program had a great influence on the echogenic parameters, since the percentage of children with light steatosis decreased from 35% to 4% at the end of the study. In addition, cIMT also decreased significantly in both groups, although there was no statistically significant differences between groups. In conclusion, detection of early complications of obesity through sonographic parameters may allow early intervention, as in the present study, to prevent obesity co-morbidities in children.

Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Daily Eating Habits and Physical Activity on Anthropometric Parameters in Elementary School Children in Latvia: Pach Study

Growing incidence of obesity and related diseases in children poses new challenges and calls for a review of lifestyle habits. This study aimed to assess daily eating habits (EH) and physical activity (PA) levels and identify their association with obesity in 8-10-year-old children. Children's EH and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical intensity (MVPA) was estimated from questionnaires (N = 1788). Weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were collected, and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Girls consumed more fruits and vegetables, drank more water, and ate smaller portions of carbohydrate and protein rich foods but spent less time in MVPA compared to boys (p < 0.05). Obese children skipped breakfast more often and consumed less fruits and vegetables. Children who chose to eat in front of the screen had higher WC (62.88 ± 8.70 vs 60.59 ± 7.40 cm, p < 0.001) and higher BMI, and chose smaller vegetable portions and more calorie dense snacks (p < 0.001). 15.4% of pupils covered weekly MVPA recommendations with structured PA on weekdays. Increasing MVPA was related to a smaller number of unhealthy EH (p < 0.001). In conclusion, EH and PA levels differ between sexes and obese children have unhealthier EH. Higher levels of MVPA are related to healthier food choices, while pupils having meals in front of the screen have unhealthier EH and anthropometric measures. The majority of pupils did not reach the WHO recommendations of MVPA through structured PA on weekdays. Association between factors (EH and time spent in PA) and BMI was not found in this study.